If you’ve shopped at my store, you know that we take in clean things only. But if you’re out in the wide world joyfully shopping at other thrift and consignment shops, you will occasionally run into a vintage find that you just need to have, but it’s dirty. What’s a lover of thrift to do? Of course you buy it. But how to clean these vintage finds? I’m happy to share some of my secrets.
How To Clean Vintage Finds That Are Sterling and Silver Plate
The price of sterling silver has been on the rise lately and all the pickers I know are on the hunt for sterling, hidden in plain sight at thrift stores. When pieces are completed coated in tarnish, it’s hard, but not impossible to tell what you’ve got. If you’re lucky enough to score it, or just have sterling or silverplated laying around that could use a bath, fear not. I have found that the absolute BEST way to clean silver (both sterling and silver plate) is with Weiman’s Silver Wipes. They come in a tub, already loaded with their magic, silver-cleaning power. They look like baby wipes. And baby do they clean silver quickly. Use them on silver candlesticks, tableware, flatware and jewelry. They make quick work of tarnish and you can reuse individual sheets until they are completely filthy. Just stuff them back in the tub to keep them moist. I believe in these so much that I’ve started selling them at Consignments Ltd., but you can also click the link above and get Amazon to send them directly to your house.
For some related reading, check out: What to Do With Your Sterling Silver. And if you’re unsure what you’ve got, read: What’s The Difference Between Sterling and Silver Plate?
How To Clean Vintage Finds: Wood Furniture
People always find it odd when I say this, but wood furniture needs to be fed. It makes sense if you think about it. Once the tree is made into timber it stops receiving nutrients from its roots and starts drying out. If you find a great piece of vintage furniture that just seems really dried out, it mostly likely needs to be cleaned and fed. The best product for this is Howard Products Feed & Wax. This product is best used on furniture with minimal or no polyurethane. It’s made from beeswax and orange oil. You wipe it on with a soft cloth. Wait at least 20 minutes before wiping off the excess. Then simply polish out the surface with a clean cloth and Voila! Bruce recently used it on a drop-leaf table he bought for his home office. You would not believe how good it came out. We sell this in the store too, just in case you’re coming by later.
If your vintage furniture find has a finish that’s less-than-stellar, is faded, has water rings or scratches, you’ll want to try another Howard Products Super-Star: Restor-A-Finish. It’s a permanent color restorer and comes in just about any wood stain you can imagine. Put it on with a soft cloth or fine-grade steel wool and quickly wipe. Yup! That’s it.
If all it needs is a good cleaning, you can try Howard Products Orange Oil. We use it at the store on everything from wood furniture to picture frames and vintage boxes, you name it.
Insider Tip: You can even use Restor-A-Finish, Feed & Wax and Orange Oil on your wood kitchen cabinets.
How About Copper and Brass?
You can clean vintage copper and brass finds without the use of caustic chemicals. Instead use items that you find in your kitchen. Yes. Your kitchen.
First up: Copper. Clean copper, vintage finds with ketchup. You read that correctly. You can clean tarnished, copper items with ketchup (and sometimes a little salt) . Shine up vintage copper kettles and cookware, copper jewelry, even copper wall decor. Here’s the HOW TO on using this condiment for something other than topping your hamburger. For vintage brass items, like bells, lamps and candlesticks, you’re back to the kitchen. Grab a lemon, cut it in half, sprinkle salt on the cut side, and rub it gently over the brass. You can also mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste, apply it with a cloth, and rub gently. Pretty cool, huh?
So next time don’t be afraid to buy vintage treasures just because they need a little cleaning. You’ll get them for a steal and with a little elbow grease, you’ll have yourself some real treasures.
Enjoy the day, my friends. Marianne
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