Antique furniture is becoming more and more desirable because they are statement pieces. They’re often one-of-a-kind, one of a few left. They also tell a story. You can’t help but think of the society they came from, the era and its people. Who owned this antique French style bedside table?

Antique furniture is easy to take care of but there are some things to keep in mind if you want to make sure that these pieces last another hundred years or more.

Choose a Mild Cleaner
You’ll want to choose a mild cleaner that doesn’t have harsh chemicals. Think of starting with a mild dish soap diluted in water to see how the antique’s surface reacts. If the dish soap doesn’t remove grime, you can try a slightly stronger cleaner but avoid anything too oily.

Use a Soft Cloth
Rub the surface down with a soft cloth. Wet a rag with your chosen cleaner and gently rub the surface of the furniture. You can keep using the same rag until it no longer picks up new dirt or debris. Avoid scrubbing and go with the grain of the wood.

Then Grab Steel Wool
You can remove stuck on stains by using steel wool. Use gentle motions, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain. Don’t use a lot of force or you may end up damaging the finish.

Try a Toothbrush
Another trick is to use toothbrush for hard-to-reach places. Some corners and curves may be hard to get with a rag. Dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution and then scrub hard-to-reach areas while following the grain. Do this until the dirt and grime is gone.

Wipe it Down
Once you’re done cleaning, you can wipe down the furniture with a separate dry rag. This will mop up most of the liquid, leaving the furniture dry. Let the furniture air dry before continuing the process.

Time for Polish
Once the furniture is dry, you can polish it to make it glow! Take a clean cloth and add the polish. Buff the furniture until it starts glowing. It will appear shiny and new! Avoid silicone-based polishes. You may want to find one that’s made specifically for antique wood.

Dust Regularly
To keep your furniture nice going forward, dust your antiques regularly. Don’t use anything with spray. Instead, consider a feather duster.

Avoid Sunlight
To reduce fading and staining, you need to keep antique wood out of the sun. Don’t put them right in front of a window or outside. Instead, place it somewhere in the home that doesn’t have direct sunlight.

Consider a Humidifier
The room where you put your antique furniture should also have a dry atmosphere. Humidity can crack wood. A humidifier can help keep a room’s air dry and comfortable.

If you’re looking for an antique French style bedside table or any other antique nightstands, check out Eloquence’s quality and iconic collection. These high-end antique dressers are perfect for enhancing your room with elegance, adding a historical, detailed appearance.