Preservation and Care of
Antique and Fine Wood
Furniture
By Rebecca Korach Woan
Antique and fine wood furniture requires
special care to preserve it for future
generations. Here are some
recommendations:
Avoid placing fine furniture in strong
sunlight. Sunlight might feel wonderful to
you or your pet, but it is devastating to
your furniture and will lead to fading and
cracking of the finish. Draw curtains during
the day, or use sun blinds or UV filters on
the windows.
Throw away all spray or aerosol furniture
polish to prevent anyone from using
them on your fine furniture. The silicone
in these products builds up and prevents
nourishing wax from feeding the wood.
Furniture needs only an occasional wax
every six months (we suggest timing it
for when you change your clocks), with
carnauba (vegetable in origin), paraffin or
beeswax. Try to wax one day and
buff the next to allow the wax to nourish
the wood.
Dust often with a soft clean cloth for maintenance. Use a vinegar solution
(one tablespoon to a half pint of water) to
remove grease and food deposits.
Avoid placing heavy items on furniture to
prevent marks and indentations.
Extremes in humidity and temperature
will accelerate cracking and loosen
joints and veneer.
In summer, maintain temperatures of
70-75 degrees (F) and a relative humidity
(RH) of 55%-65%. In winter, maintain
temperatures of 65-70 degrees (F) and
relative humidity of 35%-45%. Keep from
placing furniture in attics, basements and
near active fireplaces and heating vents.
Monitoring temperature and RH can be
done with inexpensive thermometers and
hygrometers purchased at electronic or
hardware stores or humidity sensors
installed with a home security system.
If the furniture is in need of repair or
restoration use only reputable
professionals who specialize in the care
of fine furniture. 
Rebecca Korach Woan, is a Principal
with Chartwell Insurance Services