Tips: Furniture
Furniture is susceptible to light damage, as the wood and upholstery will fade - do not place in direct sunlight or rotate furniture every season so that one particular piece is not always in direct light. Avoid placement near heaters, furnace ducts, air conditioners, etc. Insects and rodents will attack wood - if in storage check periodically to make sure that no damage has occurred. DO NOT have old wooden pieces refinished. About half of their value (historic and monetary) is in having the original stain and finish. Beware of water from plants and beverages as it can do damage to finishes if not wiped up immediately. Also, alcohol can remove some finishes and underlying stains. If this happens, contact a furniture conservator, and do not try to repair the finish yourself. Do not use commercial furniture polishes or waxes, as they create a build up layer that attracts dust and dirt. This layer will be unattractive and can be very difficult to remove. To clean furniture, use a lint-free, soft cloth to wipe away dust. First make sure that there are no loose pieces of veneer, or other areas on which the cloth can get caught. Another option is to use a soft brush and brush the dust towards a vacuum cleaner nozzle. This method can also be used on the upholstery.
Handling: You should handle furniture with clean, bare hands or wearing clean, cotton gloves. Do not pick pieces up by the arms, legs, or back, as these are the areas that usually break apart. Pick up small pieces by the seat or base. If the piece is large, have another person help you and have a clear path in which to move. Dollies can be used if you pad them with towels or blankets first, in order to protect the finish and the surface of the object. Do not drag or push objects - pick them up off the ground to move them. Remove any shelves or drawers prior to moving, in order to make the piece lighter and to avoid damage. Replace the shelves and drawers once you are finished moving the object.
Storage: Furniture should be stored in a clean environment, away from moisture. The pieces can be covered with cotton drop cloths, and they should be checked periodically for signs of insect or rodent damage. If a table leg is missing, store it upside down, resting on the tabletop. If possible, furniture should not be stacked on top of other pieces. There should also be enough room around a certain piece that it can be easily removed from storage if necessary.
