Checklist for Care and Handling of Furniture

• Pieces of furniture can be made from a combination of various organic and inorganic materials, each with its own needs. Understand the needs of the various parts, in order to create a good environment for the whole.
• Examine item for damage, structural problems, and repairs before any movement or cleaning; examine for lifting veneer, loose carving or flaking paint or gesso.
• Use clean lint-free rags or soft brushes for dusting; do not use feather dusters.
• Determine destination before you begin your move. Furniture should be moved slowly, with care, and with a clear path to a new location. Because of slipperiness of surfaces, do not wear gloves in handling furniture; keep hands clean. Be aware of furniture bases when vacuuming, mopping and sweeping to avoid damage.
• Always lift furniture; never drag across floor; use two people to carry furniture whenever possible; empty drawers, remove them, and carry them separately; lock or tie shut cabinet doors before moving. Remove marble, glass or other moveable tops before moving; carry the top vertically, as it can break under its own weight if carried flat.
• Do not lift chairs by the back or the arms; grasp with both hands from seat and lift.
• Keep furniture away from temperature or relative humidity extremes, and especially out of the basement and attic.
• Keep furniture out of direct sunlight, away from direct heat or cooling, and away from hot spotlights and lamps.
• Use paste wax sparingly, once a year, so dusting is easier; do not use silicone sprays or oils that claim to ‘feed’ the wood.
• Clean upholstery by vacuuming with the brush attachment wrapped in cotton cheesecloth; avoid stain-resistant treatments.
• Pad the bases of objects placed on valuable furniture; protect the furniture surface from spills.
• Check regularly for damage from insects and mold; seek advice.
• Do not remove original finish or upholstery from antique pieces; perform research first.
• If damage occurs, collect all pieces, including tiny fragments, wrap them and call a professional conservator.
• When in doubt, call a professional conservator, such as the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

Halaha, Frances and Anna Plowden
Looking after Antiques.
London: The National Trust Enterprises, Ltd., 2003

Long, Richard
Caring for Your Family Treasures.
Heritage Preservation. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2000.

National Committee to Save America’s Cultural Collections
Caring for Your Collections: preserving and protecting your art and other collectibles.
Arthur W. Schultz, chairman. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1992.

Winterthur Decorative Arts Series
The Winterthur Guide to Caring for Your Collection.
Wilmington: The Henry Francis Dupont Winterthur Museum, Inc., 1999.

Winterthur Decorative Arts Series
Evaluating Your Collection.
Wilmington: The Henry Francis Dupont Winterthur Museum, Inc., 1999.

The History Center Gift Shop carries a number of appropriate book titles, and can also special order books to assist you.