Pampering vintage means prolonging its history!
A wooden piece of furniture that regains its lustre, a leather armchair that retains its suppleness, a lamp that shines as bright as new… Vintage is made to last, as long as you give it a little love! You don’t need to be a restoration expert: a few simple steps are enough to preserve its charm without distorting it. Here are my best tips for pampering your finds and keeping them in top shape!
1. Wood: nourish and protect
Vintage wooden furniture is sure to add character, but it still needs to be properly maintained!
✔ Dust regularly with a soft cloth (forget harsh chemicals!).
✔ Revive the patina with Arbanite: A real little miracle for nourishing the wood, reviving its colour and eliminating dirty wax.
✔ Want to give it a facelift? A little linseed oil or beeswax and hey presto, your furniture is restored to its former glory.
✔ Stubborn stains? Bicarbonate of soda and water on untreated wood, soft soap on varnished wood.
✔ Watch out for the whims of wood! Too close to a radiator and it dries out and cracks. Too much direct sunlight and it can fade. We keep it away from extremes!
2. Leather: supple and shiny
A well-maintained vintage leather is like a fine wine: it develops a patina and becomes even more beautiful with time! 🍷
✔ Gentle cleaning with a slightly damp cloth and glycerine soap, nothing more.
✔ Moisturise regularly with a special leather milk or a drop of sweet almond oil.
✔ Too dry? A good nourishing treatment will restore its suppleness.
✔ Damaged or discoloured areas? A pigmented renovating cream can even out the colour and mask small imperfections.
✔ Leather hates direct sunlight, which dries it out and causes it to crack. Keep it out of the sun!
3. Metal: shine and protection
Have you picked up a superb chrome lamp or a brass mirror? Here’s how to restore them to their former glory!
✔ Tarnished brass? Mix lemon and bicarbonate of soda and rub gently.
✔ Chipped chrome? Don’t panic! You can remove it without scratching it using some ultra-fine steel wool.
✔ Want it to shine? A quick polish and it’s as good as new!
4. Glass and ceramics: shine without a trace
We want a shiny finish, not finger marks!
✔ A simple wash with lukewarm water and mild soap is enough to maintain these materials without damaging them.
✔ For a spotless glass? Wipe with a cloth soaked in white vinegar (wow effect guaranteed!).
✔ Incrusted stains on ceramic? A little bicarbonate of soda and hot water, and off you go!
5. Vintage plastic: revive without damaging
Coloured plastic is great, but over time it can turn yellow… Don’t panic, we have solutions!
✔ Dust regularly with a soft cloth to prevent dirt build-up.
✔ Yellowing? Try the retrobright method: a hydrogen peroxide bath + a little sun to restore its original shine.
✔ Small scratches? Car polish can effectively reduce them.
✔ Be careful with aggressive solvents, which can make the plastic porous. Take it easy!
6. Electricity and lights: safety first
A vintage light fitting is the touch that changes everything, but it’s best to check that it is as safe as it is beautiful!
✔ Always check the wiring before plugging in (vintage wires are pretty but sometimes dangerous!).
✔ Replace old wires if necessary, especially if they are frayed or cracked.
✔ If in doubt, have the wiring redone by a professional.
✔ LED bulbs are your allies: they heat up less (plastic can melt!) and preserve vintage materials.
Conclusion: Take care of it, and it will take care of you!
Your vintage furniture and objects have stood the test of time, and with good maintenance, they will stand the test of many more! Take the time to pamper them, and they will retain all their character (and continue to tell their beautiful story). ✨
💡 Fancy a new vintage piece to pamper? Take a look at my finds!