BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Furniture has been made from every imaginable substance, from wood, to plastics, to cardboard, but in its essence it is created from two types of material, organic and inorganic. It is the combination of the two that makes care so difficult.

Light, changes in temperature, and humidity do the most damage to furniture. These factors must be discussed with a conservator to insure the safety and wellbeing of your piece.

Pests are also a real danger, in case of an infestation, immediately contact a conservator for information on how to handle the situation.

The beauty of a piece of furniture is undeniable and its value is unquestionable. Once the value has been established, then care is essential. Be certain to speak with a conservator on keeping accurate records about your piece and always decide ahead of time if the pieces will have everyday use or not. Because most furniture is made from various materials, the care of your object can be difficult. Consult a professional conservator to decide what is appropriate for your individual piece

CARE AND CLEANING

Consult a conservator for appropriate light, temperature and humidity settings
Furniture must be kept out of light
Temperatures should be maintained at an even amount, with little fluctuations. If fluctuations occur, they should be slow, so the piece may adapt to the change
Keep pieces away from heating and/or air-conditioning sources
Simple dusting is best for furniture (taking care if there is any damage to the piece)
Wax pieces only once a year and use discretion
Beeswax can be mixed with mineral spirits to create a paste that is applied in small circular motions
Afterward, wipe with the grain and buff piece after a few hours
Do not disturb or clean metal parts
Upholstered pieces may be vacuumed with soft brush nozzle
Do not use anything that says it ‘feeds the wood’
To maintain the value of your piece any repair work done to any part, including upholstery, must be done by a conservator

HANDLING, and TRANSPORTING

Always use care when moving furniture, even across a room
Be mindful of where and how you pick up the piece
If possible, always have more than one person to move piece
Remove anything that could cause damage to the piece, including rings or watches
Do not drag or push furniture
Always remove any separate pieces first. For instance, take drawers out of a dresser then move the dresser
For long distance moves consult a conservator

STORAGE

When storing any piece, always consult a conservator
Never store a piece in an attic or basement
Be certain the piece is stable
Take into account the light, as well as the temperature of the storage situation