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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/cleaning a duncan phyfe table

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Question
Hello, I just purchased a 1940's Duncan Phyfe table and side board.  What do
you recommend me clean/ dust it with ?

Answer
Hi Amy
Nice to hear from you.
Cleaning and dusting are two entirely different things to me LOL.
And the cleaning depends on how bad the dirt is.
If a piece of furniture has that heavy buildup that you can actually scratch off with your fingernail, or that kind of buildup that feels awful in the humid weather, then it needs to be cleaned with mineral spirits.
Soap and water just does not cut it on this dirt.
If the piece is fairly clean, a waxing yearly is all thats needed.
And if you do use furniture polish, choose one without silicone.
I never polish my furniture. Or wax it either for that matter. I just wipe it with a very slightly dampened cloth when the mood strikes LOL
How well I remember my Mothers weekly routine of the lemon oiling. And you know her furniture always looked beautiful.
Great question
Regards
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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