Dial-a-Maid
Antiques require a good measure of carefulness and commonsense. We here at Dial-A-Maid cleaning service in Evanston, Il, appreciate and respect your precious antiques. Establishing an antique -friendly home is key. Conscientious housecleaning will help keep dust and grime from collecting on antiques. Vacuum carpets and rugs and dust other room surfaces frequently to reduce the level of airborne pollutants that might collect on your antiques. Air filters can help as well.
Whenever possible, keep valued items away from the kitchen and entrance areas to the kitchen. cooking near antiques increases their exposure to airborne grime.
Other than dropping or otherwise damaging a piece, the biggest dangers to antiques come from light and moisture. You need a clean dry environment with balanced humidity. Moisture and light can be especially harmful to objects made from organic materials, such as wooden furniture, textiles, paintings, and books. Objects made from stone, metal, or glass are less susceptible, but it's still a good idea to protect those objects from strong light or changes in humidity.
Natural sunlight, with its concentration of ultraviolet rays, is the most damaging. Keep all antiques away from exposed direct sunlight. Sunlight will fade colors in paints and can yellow the varnish on a painting. Even indirect sunlight over time can do damage. Draw your curtains and close your blinds for safety.
Also, maimtaining an even level of humidity is crucial to protecting antiques. Too much moisture in the air promotes mildew growth and encourages insects. But, also, super dryness can promote cracks in wood, ivory, paint, and other materials. Constant fluctuations are as damaging to objects as a moisture laden or overarid environment.
Use humidifiers and dehumidifiers as needed throughout the year to help maintain a reasonably steady relative humidity level of 30 to 70 percent. A thermohygrometer will measure relative humidity in a room. These gages can be purchased for around $ 100. and are well worth the cost. If you need any TLC for your antiques, Dial-A-Maid Cleaning Service inEvanston, Il 60201 will gladly assist and help you to maintain and preserve your antiques value.
