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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/clean old wood mirror

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Expert: - 11/13/2005


Question
Hello.  My friend just recieved what she was told was an antique wood framed mirror.  The wood has quite a layer of dust, etc. from years of sitting.  She wants to clean it, but is not sure what would be saft to use.  Is there anything around the house we could use to clean it?  Would lemon juice harm the finish?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi R
Nice to hear from you.
Do not use lemon juice LOL.
Do you have mineral spirits or varsol.
Just slightly dampen the end of a rag with it and rub off dirt then follow with a bit of lemon oil.
Barring that, use plain old soap and water.
Do not saturate just ring out a cloth in dish soap and water and wash the wood
Good Luck
Eileen

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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