MARBLE

Old or new marble has a natural beauty in furnishings. To preserve the brightness and luster of old or new marble in good condition, wash with clean cloths and fresh, lukewarm water. Twice a year wash with a mild detergent to remove any residue. Waxing is not necessary for marble and is not recommended for white marble, because a yellowish tone will develop in time. Marble companies make special protective sealers for those consumers wishing them.

Draw stains out of marble by poulticing. The principle of poulticing is to keep the necessary bleach or solvent moist for a long period while the stain is drawn from the marble into the poultice, which will absorb it. Whiting can be mixed with the suitable cleaning agents and spread on the stain to serve as a poultice, or an absorbent white paper (blotter, paper napkins or cleansing tissue) can be soaked in the required solution and placed on the stain. In either case, keep the poultice moist while the stain is being drawn out of the marble. This is easily done by covering it with a piece of plastic wrap material. The process may take from one to 48 hours, depending on the type and age of stain.

CHROMIUM

Chromium is used as a plating for metal furniture. It needs only to be wiped with a soft, damp cloth and polished with a soft, dry cloth. Abrasives should not be used because they wear off the plating.

If the chrome has been badly neglected and dirt has hardened on its surface, dip a soft, dampened cloth into fine whiting and rub carefully. Then wipe with damp cloth and dry.

BRASS

Brass decorative furnishings are often lacquered to protect the surface from corrosion and tarnish. As with any lacquered metal surface, they should not be polished, nor soaked in water, nor washed in hot water. Such treatment can crack the protective lacquer coating. To care for lacquered brass, wash in lukewarm soapy water, rinse with lukewarm water, dry thoroughly. The warm air of hair dryer can aid in drying hard to reach areas.

Lacquer that is damaged can be removed. One method used to remove lacquer is to soak the accessory (if it is possible) in soapy water for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with hot water and rub with a soft cloth until the lacquer peels. Another way to remove lacquer is to rub it off with a soft cloth moistened with denatured alcohol. Unlacquered brass will tarnish and requires polishing. Commercial metal polishes are available.

When cleaning and polishing antique brass, test the cleaning materials on the surface of the accessory of fixture to be sure of obtaining the desired effect. Some methods do clean tarnish and corrosion of the years, but in addition, remove the mellowness of age that is desirable on old drawer pulls, oil lamps, candle holders and other furnishings and accessories. The cleaners and polishes for brass are listed below from the mildest polish to the more powerful chemicals for removing corrosion and tarnish.

COPPER-BRONZE

Copper or bronze decorative ornaments and fixtures are often lacquered to prevent corrosion and tarnish. These lacquered, decorative accessories should not be polished, nor soaked in water, nor washed in hot water because such treatment can crack the lacquer covering the surface. To care for lacquered metal, wash when necessary in lukewarm water and rinse with lukewarm water; then dry thoroughly.

Damaged lacquer can be removed. One method for removing lacquer is to soak the accessory (if possible) in hot, soapy water for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with hot water and rub with a soft cloth until the lacquer peels off. Another way of removing lacquer is to rub with a soft cloth moistened with denatured alcohol. Once lacquer is removed, the unprotected metal will tarnish and require polishing. Commercial metal polishes can produce either a bright or soft finish.