Antique furniture and other vintage pieces are often the most neglected when it comes to Spring Cleaning your home, according to domestic cleaning company Merry Maids. This isn't always down to a lack of love for treasured pieces but more a lack of knowledge and fear of damaging your prized possessions. But keeping your antiques in good condition is a must in order to maintain their beauty. Merry Maids expert Barbara Roberts has come up with these essential antique cleaning tips – and what better time than Spring to give them some special attention.

Stock up “Keep a supply of soft dry cloths, handy for your antique furniture.” says Barbara Roberts. Several cloths will be needed for both polishing and buffing.

Dust with a Brush Barbara suggests using a small soft-bristle paintbrush, to clean or dust crevices in furniture, such as the ornately carved legs of a chair.

Tackling Sticky Residues Remove any sticky residues with lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon will break down the adhesives without damaging the furniture finish.

Bold as Brass Barbara also recommends mixing a paste from flour, salt and vinegar to clean brass portions of antique furniture. Polish with a soft cloth, rinse and shine with a second cloth.

Perfect Wood Lightly wax and buff antique wooden furniture with paste wax and soft cloths. Wood with its original finish will shine nicely after a waxing.

Lovely Leather “Clean leather with saddle soap and a very small amount of water.” Barbara says. “Be sure to dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth after cleaning.”

Call in the Experts If you would rather sit back and relax, then you can call on Merry Maids who offer a wide range of domestic cleaning services. They are all professionally trained and have the knowledge and ability to make your house really sparkle. Choose from weekly, fortnightly, monthly or even one-off Spring cleans.

For more information about Merry Maids visit www.merrymaids.co.uk or call 0845 058 4730.

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Kate Hall kate@applespears.co.uk +44 (115) 9255999