Furniture Care Tips "Less is more" is a good way to look at antique furniture maintenance. Don't feel you have to do a lot to maintain your antique's patina. A weekly dusting with a soft cloth (or brush for heavily carved or delicate surfaces) is one of the best things you can do. A coat of a quality paste wax once a year will also do a lot to maintain the aged finish. Darker colored wax on most dark woods will also help hide unsightly scratches and nicks. It's okay to use a little water and a gentle soap if necessary to clean a stubborn mark on the surface. Just be gentle and use a soft cloth to dry the area as soon as possible. You may need to re-wax the area again. If you have furniture with caning, be sure to mist the underside surfaces twice a year to keep the cane "supple" so it won't crack as easily. Clean badly tarnished brass with an ammonia and water solution (1:1 ratio). Soak for 15 minutes and gently wipe with a soft cloth. Fine 0000 steel wool can also be carefully used to clean tarnish. Buff to revive shine after drying. Remember to remove the brass pieces from the furniture. Ammonia and other brass cleaners will damage the wood finish. Save any pieces that break off! Especially veneer and moldings. Keep them in a zip-loc bag in the piece if possible. Use coasters and hot pads (trivets) always. Excess water, alcohol and heat WILL damage finishes. Lift objects on surfaces when moving them. DO NOT slide things on surfaces. Things to avoid Dragging furniture when moving it… ALWAYS lift it! Direct sunlight …it will dry surface finish and fade the color. Excess humidity …try to stabilize the humidity level at around 35-45% throughout the year. Excess polishing …they only attract dust and dirt. Yearly waxing and weekly dusting only! Please revisit this page occasionally to learn more tips and furniture care techniques.