The R&R Ultimate Vintage Homeware Care Guide.

Preserving Your Treasures

Owning a piece of history is a real joy, but vintage and antique homewares can require specific care to maintain their value and beauty. Whether you’ve just purchased a mid-century modern vase or beautiful Victorian brass candlesticks, our guide covers everything you need to know about preserving your vintage finds.

Why Does Vintage Care Matter?

Vintage materials - like lead crystal, bone chinaware, and solid wood were manufactured before modern chemical cleaners and high-heat dishwashers existed. Using modern cleaning methods can cause irreversible damage, such as "glass sickness" or stripped gilding.

The Studio Pottery & Ceramics Care Guide

Best for: Hand-thrown vases, stoneware crocks, and decorative bowls.

Care & Longevity

Hand-Wash Only: To preserve the unique glazes and integrity of vintage studio pottery, we recommend a gentle hand-wash in warm, soapy water.

Mild Detergents: Use a pH-neutral dish soap and a soft natural cloth if possible. Avoid bleach or "power scrub" type sponges.

Water Testing: Many vintage or unglazed pieces are porous. If using as a flower vase, we recommend placing it on a coaster or checking for "sweating" before placing it on fine wood surfaces.

Thermal Shock: Avoid moving ceramics directly from very cold to very hot environments (or vice versa) to prevent hairline cracks.

Patina: Natural crazing in the glaze is often a sign of age and character; it does not affect the structural integrity of the piece.

Dealing with Crazing: For ceramics with crazing (tiny surface cracks), avoid soaking them in colored liquids like red wine or tea, as the porous surface will absorb the stain.

Polishing and Maintaining Vintage Metals Guide

Vintage metals like brass, copper, and silver develop a (we think most a beautiful) "patina", and is the main reason we only sell our items in ‘as found’ condition.

To Polish or Not? Decide if you want a high-shine look or a dark, moody patina. If you choose to polish, test sparingly first and in our opinion, use a natural option where possible.

Care & Longevity

Brass & Copper - Ketchup or Lemon & Salt: Apply ketchup with a soft cloth and let sit for 10–30 minutes. Rinse and dry. For tougher spots, rub a lemon half dipped in salt directly on the metal.

Silver - Baking Soda & Foil: Line a bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Add 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp salt. Pour in boiling water and submerge the silver. The tarnish will transfer to the foil in minutes.

Pewter - Cabbage Leaves: Odd but effective!: Rub the pewter with outer cabbage leaves, then buff with a soft cloth. Alternatively, use a paste of flour, salt, and vinegar.

Iron - Vegetable Oil & Salt: For rust, scrub with a paste of coarse salt and vegetable oil. Once clean, "season" it with a thin layer of oil to prevent future rust.

Chrome - Vinegar Spray: Mix 50% white vinegar and 50% water. Spray, wipe, and buff with a microfibre cloth for a streak-free shine.

The Soft Touch: Always use a microfibre cloth. Steel wool or stiff brushes will leave permanent scratches on soft metals like silver and pewter.

Dry Immediately: After light cleaning, dry thoroughly. Moisture left on metal can lead to "pitting" or green oxidation (verdigris).

The Vintage Wood & Natural Materials Guide

Old wood is "alive" - it breathes and reacts to the environment. To prevent your vintage wood from cracking:

Care & Longevity

Humidity Control: Keep wooden items away from direct heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, which can cause the wood to shrink and split.

Cleaning: Wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth and dry immediately. Never soak vintage wood or place it in a dishwasher.

Feeding the Wood: To keep the grain looking rich and to prevent drying, we recommend a light coat of food-safe beeswax or mineral oil every few months.

Environment: Wood is a living material. To prevent warping or splitting, keep these pieces away from direct heat sources like radiators or prolonged direct sunlight.

Character: Knots, surface fissures, and evidence of old repairs are part of this item's history - embrace them as the "soul" of the piece.

Sun Protection: UV rays are the enemy of vintage finishes. Rotate your items or keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent uneven fading.

The "Textiles & Soft Goods" Guide

Best for: Vintage linen, grain sacks, or hand-woven rugs.

Care & Longevity

Gentle Refresh: For vintage linens, we recommend a cool hand-wash with a pH-neutral detergent or simply airing them outside on a dry day.

Spot Cleaning: Address spills immediately by blotting with a clean, undyed cloth.

Storage: Store in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic to allow natural fibers to breathe.