- Prepare your workspace and use appropriate gloves before you start.
- Treat each heirloom, antique, and old photograph with utmost care.
- Choose products wisely. Each material reacts differently to various chemicals.
- Use soft brushes, gentle cloths, and compressed air to remove dust and particles.
- Always consult with professionals to prevent damage to sensitive and time-worn material.
Old photos, family heirlooms, gifts, and inherited treasures have a special place not only in our homes, but also in our hearts. While they may look like trinkets to the rest of the world, they’re soaked in memories and remind us of times gone by, the people we miss, and help us stay connected to precious moments. They’re a very part of our being, and should be treated as such.
When it comes to keeping these precious items clean, any reliable provider of house cleaning in Eagle River can tell you that you need to be super gentle. The chemicals used in household maintenance can easily harm old photos, antiques, and other sentimental valuables. With that said, let’s take a look at how to safely keep them preserved.
How to properly clean sentimental items?
The most important thing to consider when you are caring for valuable heirlooms is that each material is different and requires different solutions. What may work for some items could very well be fatal to others.
For example, textile conservation is vastly different from jewelry. Without proper research on cleaning products to use, you risk unintentional harm.
This can be especially unpleasant if you are cleaning a shared living space and your good intentions result in heartache for your partner, family members, or roommates.
That’s why it’s best to consult with professionals or leave the care for sentimental objects entirely to them.
What is the best way to clean old photos?
Old photographs freeze precious moments with our loved ones or remind us of people who might be gone. It’s a storehouse of memories and carries value that cannot be counted in numbers. And that is why it’s important to use proper techniques to maintain them without harm.
- Prepare your workspace: Set up a dry, dust-free environment and wear gloves to protect your photos from skin oils.
- Dry brushing: Gently brush off dust using soft brushes. Start from the middle and keep brushing toward the edges.
- Slow and gentle: Remember to dust it with slow, gentle motions to prevent damage.
- Air blowing: Use a compressed air can to blow away finer dust and particles from the surface.
- Spot cleaning: If any residue remains, gently dampen the cloth and dab it on the photo and let it dry. Don’t rub or soak the surface.
- Use the right solutions: Consult with professionals about the best solutions for cleaning old photographs.
How to properly clean antiques?
It goes without saying that antiques should be handled with care. Wash your hands thoroughly and wear gentle gloves to avoid accidentally harming the surface. Antiques are old and fragile, whether it’s furniture, ceramics, glassware, or artwork, and can be rather sensitive to touch.
- Know the material: Understand the nature of the material and different ways to treat it. Additionally, time affects material, too. Consult care labels or seek professional advice.
- Choose products wisely: Harsh chemicals and toxic products can further damage your antiques.
- Gentle washing: Washing by hand with lukewarm water and soft detergent can work on items that are water-resistant.
- Drying: Always dry your antiques with a clean, soft, dry cloth after washing.
- Professional dry cleaning: This method is best for items that are sensitive to water exposure, such as wool.
- Dusting: Soft, dry brushes and a cloth are a good way to remove dust from your antiques and prevent dirt build-up. Especially for valuables like old books.
- Non-abrasive solutions: Delicate materials, for example, precious metals, should be treated with non-abrasive solutions specifically designed for the metals you’re handling.
Who provides reliable and trusted house cleaning in Eagle River?
For sentimental items that we cherish, keeping them safe and preserved with the right tools and solutions is paramount. Old heirlooms can be frail and are continuously tested by time. That is why at White Lilac Cleaning, we take all preventive measures and precautions to keep your memories safe from harm with safe and trusted methods. At the end of the day, some are best left to restoration experts completely. We readily serve the community in Eagle River and beyond, no matter if you live close to Eagle River High School or further away. Whether you need post-illness cleaning or scheduling around your home office routine, we bring our skills and knowledge to your doorstep. Reach out today!