Art and Collections

Take care of your prized collections and you'll have family heirlooms to pass down for generations. Sentimental value is as important as monetary value, and meaningful objects deserve the best care.

Paintings, prints, and drawings: Leave deep cleaning and restoration to professionals. Dust artwork with a soft, dry paintbrush. Keep away from direct sun, heat, cooking, and smoke.

Picture frames: Dust picture frames with a soft, dry paintbrush. Frequently dust the tops of frames, being careful that dust doesn't fall onto the art. Clean ornate frames with pure canned air that contains no cleaners or lubricants (available at computer and art supply stores). Use the attachable straw-like nozzle to reach small cracks and crevices.

Ceramics: Wash glazed ceramics in lukewarm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe unglazed ceramics with a damp cloth, avoiding immersing into water.

Find more tips below.

 

Brass: A gentle patina is desirable; tarnish is not. If you prefer shiny brass use brass polish that contains wax to seal the surface and prevent the brass from acquiring an aged look. However, if you like patina use brass polish without wax. The brass will initially look shiny, then mellow. Keep brass away from humidity and handle as little as possible.

Antique ivory, horn, and bone: To keep the desirable warm white color, expose to natural light but keep away from intense sunlight and heat. Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Do not expose to water or cleansers. Wipe ivory piano keys with a soft, damp cloth. If the keys are soiled, swipe the cloth over a cake of Ivory soap and rub the key in a lengthwise motion until the stain disappears. Dry the keys with a soft cloth. Do not use solvents or chemicals with real ivory.

Clocks: Follow the care instructions that you would for furniture made from the same material. Keep clocks on level surfaces, away from temperature changes, direct sunlight, and heat vents.

Place tall case clocks such as grandfather clocks in stable corners where they are least likely to be tipped over or knocked into. Clock repair and sales shops sell devices to secure clocks to the wall.

Polish brass, silver, or other metal candlesticks with a cream metal polish formulated for the specific metal and a clean, soft cotton cloth. Never use paper towel as it can scratch the metal surface. Take care to remove polish from the crevices.

Wipe glass and crystal candlesticks with a mild vinegar-and-water solution or with a clean, soft cotton rag moistened with commercial glass cleaner. Soak grimy candlesticks in a vinegar-and-water bath. Rinse, dry, and polish with a lint-free cloth.

Tip for De-Waxing: To remove wax from new candlesticks that are not antique copper or brass, gently warm the holder with a hair dryer. Don't overheat. Or place candle holders upside down on a baking sheet and heat in the oven to the lowest setting. Wipe away wax.