Avoid using inappropriate cleaning products or methods that can harm the original finish. Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or excessive water when cleaning antique furniture.
Of course, most antiques are collectibles. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Some government regulations, rules, or laws reinforce the 100-year age reference. The U.S. Customs defines anything over 100 years old as an antique, which means it can be imported into the United States without any tax assessment.
Cleaning furniture with vinegar can have a negative effect on the furniture because vinegar is an acidic substance. If the furniture is made of certain materials such as wood or leather, the acid in the vinegar can cause damage to the surface of the furniture over time.
Choose a mild cleaning fluid or make one up yourself with white spirit and linseed oil. Take a soft and clean linen cloth and gently rub the surface of the table – don't scrub. Use steel wool to get rid of harsh stains, but make sure to use it gently.
Safe Cleaning
It's important to dilute these substances properly. Too much vinegar can potentially dull the wood finish over time due to its acidity, while too much Dawn can leave a slippery residue. The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn.
The most expensive piece of furniture ever sold at auction is The Badminton Chest, a huge, lavishly decorated piece of Italian craftsmanship, which sold for a whopping £19m at Christie's London in 2004. The monumental cabinet was commissioned by Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort in 1726.
Refinishing valuable American masterpieces can diminish the value, or painting over or removing hand-painted techniques can reduce the integrity of an antique. However, in general, cleaning and restoring old furniture can add value and help bring it back to life.
She adds, “By definition, an antique is an item that is 100 years old or older.” Whether it's a book, vase, glassware, or a piece of furniture, the 100-year-old rule of thumb remains the same.
Vintage items are much younger than antiques. These pieces are typically defined as being at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old. The term "true vintage" is a sub-category for items that are at least 50 years old.
As time passed, however, the value of many antiques started to drop. Just eight years ago, certain pieces still held some value and interest, but now it's like something shifted in the matrix. Suddenly, antiques that were once sought after are practically worthless.
How Old is Antique? The general rule when thinking about antique furniture is the 100-year cut off: anything more than a century old should be classed as an antique rather than vintage. In fact, that 100-year rule is written in American customs regulations, yet it's slightly more complicated than that sometimes.
The best way to determine its worth is to bring it to a professional antique furniture appraiser who has specific knowledge of antique furniture pieces and knows all the period, material and style details that impact its value.
Rachel Cannon agrees: "If it's a thrifted item that is constructed of a common wood like oak or pine, with rudimentary joinery, you're probably safe to paint it," she says. "However, if it's made of exotic woods like cherry, mahogany, or satinwood, probably not."
Generally, if your antique is an investment that you mean to sell—avoid refinishing and repairs, as this does tend to lower the price.
If the furniture is a unique designer antique or a valuable antique, don't refinish it. You might end up destroying the value of the furniture.
We've all heard experts tell us daily, altering the finish can destroy the furnitures value. In most cases this is true. For example, a 17th Century hand painted finish on a rare American or Continental piece can spell disaster if stripped.
Vintage furniture consistently ranks as one of the top-selling categories in antique malls. Pieces from the mid-20th century, such as those from the Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and even the 1970s and 1980s, are particularly popular.
The mid-century modern design style is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, new materials, and organic elements. Because mid-century is about functionality little to no embellishments can be found. Designs were meant to be practical and long-lasting. They were also sculptural and truly beautiful to look at.
CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR WOOD FURNITURE
A gentle, water-based solution such as Murphy® Oil Soap Original works well when cleaning and protecting the finish on your wood floors, furniture and cabinets. The soap doesn't need to be rinsed and doesn't leave any residue.
Use the same soap which you use to wash your dishes. Make a solution of water and soap and dip a sponge into it. Then wring it out and gently scrub the surface. You can use a paintbrush to clean the carvings and mouldings where you can find it difficult to clean with a sponge.
In some cases, baking soda can cause discolouration on wood surfaces, especially if left to sit for too long. The alkaline nature of baking soda may react with certain types of wood or finishes, resulting in a faded or cloudy appearance.