ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATION · MATERIAL CARE

Living With Historic Salvage: Everyday Care & Preservation

Target Audience: Homeowners, Collectors & Interior Designers

Care Philosophy: Low-Intervention, Gentle & Natural
Our antique haveli doors, carved panels, and seating have weathered generations of living history. Because dense antique hardwoods naturally resist wear, they require very little effort to maintain. With gentle dry dusting and mindful placement away from harsh heating vents, your piece will continue to patina beautifully on its own.

CARE PROTOCOL

Simple Routines & What to Avoid

The Three Golden Rules of Daily Care
  1. Keep It Dry: Dust regularly with a clean microfiber cloth or a soft paintbrush for deep carving recesses. Avoid wet sponges, damp rags, or multi-surface household cleaners.
  2. Mind the Air: Position your piece a few feet away from direct forced-air heat registers or continuous moisture. Normal, comfortable home humidity is all antique timber needs.
  3. Skip the Aerosols: Never spray modern aerosol furniture polish (like Pledge) or silicone sprays. These create a sticky, synthetic film that traps dust and dulls genuine antique patina.
Seasonal Refresh (Optional · Once a Year)

If your piece ever looks a little dry or thirsty after a long winter:

  • The Product: Pick up any gentle, widely available wood conditioning cream or natural beeswax balm (such as Howard Feed-N-Wax or clear furniture paste wax).
  • The Application: Dab a small amount onto a soft cotton rag and wipe lightly over the surface in the direction of the grain. A little goes a long way.
  • The Finish: Let it rest for 15–20 minutes, then wipe clean with a dry cloth. That’s it—your piece will carry a soft, warm luster for the rest of the year.
Handling Accidental Spills
  • Blot, Never Rub: If liquids ever splash onto the surface, simply blot immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel without rubbing. Let it air dry naturally.

Everyday Care Summary

Simple Habits for Lifelong Beauty

Routine Element Simple Guideline
Routine Dusting Weekly / As Needed Use a dry microfiber cloth or soft natural-bristle brush. Avoid wet wiping, damp sponges, and commercial chemical sprays.
Annual Refresh Optional If wood appears dry after winter, apply a light coat of natural beeswax balm or gentle wood conditioner (e.g., Howard Feed-N-Wax) and wipe clean.
Placement Indoor Climate Keep clear of direct blowing heat vents, baseboards, and prolonged direct sun exposure to prevent drying the timber.
Antique Iron & Brass Living Finish Dust with a dry cloth. Avoid acidic brass cleaners or rust-stripping chemicals to preserve the original dark patina.