How to Clean Gilded Furniture

Clean gilded furniture only when absolutely necessary. Avoid cleaning it regularly.

Dust the furniture to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Gently brush the furniture with a soft feather duster. Examine the duster for any hard particles or contamination , and remove them before dusting.

Apply a very thin layer of wax over the wooden areas of the furniture. Let the wax sit and begin to harden slightly. Rub the slightly hardened wax with a very soft, very clean cloth to polish the surface of the wood. Take every precaution possible to avoid contact with the gilded portions while polishing the wood.

Avoid cleaning the gilt with cleaning products. Lightly blot oil-based gilt with dampened cotton wool if a major spill occurs. Avoid using this procedure if at all possible, and never use it if the furniture uses a water-based gilt or you are unsure what type of gilding is on the furniture. Water washes the gilt off of water-based gilded furniture.