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Stan Hywet takes great care in handling its collection and pursuing the latest research and information on the proper care of all types of materials. As a historic house museum, we have a variety of objects, each with different handling procedures. The following methods effective for use by Stan Hywet and we offer them as general guidelines. Please note, however, that Stan Hywet is not responsible for any damage incurred as a result of these guidelines and recommends that you obtain an assessment by an expert conservator and based on your particular collection.
For additional information about caring for your personal collection, click here to request a consultation or contact our Collections Department at 330-315-3226.
Silver
Silver is a popular metal used for many items in personal collections including candlesticks, serving pieces, picture frames, and other decorative objects. Unfortunately, silver is quite susceptible to oils in the skin, chloride salts in perspiration, sulfur present in the environment, rubber, and even egg yolks which may cause stubborn stains. Additionally, silver is a very soft metal and prone to damage as a result of excessive polishing or handling or corrosion (tarnish) of the metal. To care for your silver items:
* Wear clean cotton gloves when handling silver
* Do not remove tarnish before storing items but, rather, only before displaying
* Store silver in acid-free tissue paper, covered with an anti-tarnish silver cloth
* You may also place wrapped silver in polyethylene bags for further protection
Most commercial silver cleaners contain abrasives that may remove surface detail. Many museums, including Stan Hywet, make their own paste of calcium carbonate (available at chemical supply houses and some health food stores) and distilled water. This is applied with a cotton-tipped applicator or lint-free cloth and then is rinsed in distilled water. The paste should not be applied with toothbrushes or anything abrasive.
Pewter
Pewter objects may include mugs, plates, and pitchers. Old pewter contains lead, making it a soft metal that can easily be scratched or dented. Pewter is also susceptible to damage by organic acids that are found in wood, paper, fabrics, and paints. To care for your pewter items:
* Wear clean cotton gloves when handling pewter
* Do not store or display pewter close to different materials as they may cause damage to the objects
* Do not polish the thin film that develops on pewter as this is protective and desirable to collectors
* To store pewter, wrap it in acid-free tissue and enclose it in polyethylene bags
Clean your pewter items by dusting with a soft brush to remove any surface dirt. We recommend that you do not use pewter cleaners as they are generally to harsh or abrasive. Be sure to consult with a conservator for further recommendations on cleaning your pewter items.
Wood
The most common wood objects are antique furniture pieces. Damage to wood objects occurs most commonly due to fluctuation in temperature and humidity, resulting in warping, shrinkage, and even water, fire, insect, and fungi damage. To care for your wood objects:
* Avoid abrupt temperature and humidity changes and allow for adequate ventilation
* Good housekeeping, ventilation, and periodic inspection are the best defenses against damage
* Infestation chemicals are most often toxic and require the assistance of a professional
* Take care when cleaning wood to ensure preservation of its historic significance
To clean your wood object, dust the item with a vaccuum cleaner with soft brush attachment. On a test patch, use a small amount of distilled water and soft sponge or cloth to remove surface grime; if this is effective, continue use on the entire object. For deep dirt removal, use a small amount of a mild cleaner such as Orvus and water, ensuring that all traces of soap are completely removed with distilled water after cleansing. Finally, allow your wood object to air dry.
Textiles
Textiles include quilts, wedding gowns, and other heirloom items passed down from generation to generation. Caring for textiles is often difficult as they are highly susceptible to environmental factors. Damage and deterioration of textiles is caused by exposure to light, environment, pollution, insects, mold, and excessive or improper handling. To care for your textiles:
* Wear clean cotton gloves when handling textiles
* When displaying textiles, keep them out of direct sunlight
* Take great care in displaying textiles, expecially those of fragile condition
* Make sure to use good housekeeping when storing textiles
* Maintain an environment of low humidity and low light levels for storing textiles
* If textiles must be folded, avoid old, weakened crease lines and cushion with crumpled acid free tissue
* Textiles are best stored in acid free boxes and wrapped in acid free paper
* Do not put textiles in direct contact with orginary cardboard, paper, or wood
Clean your old textiles only if it will not affect the strength or color of the fabric. For textiles that cannot be wet cleaned, simply vacuum the object on low speed. If the object is particularly fragile, place a screen on top of the object and vaccuum over the screen to avoid straining the fabric. For textiles in an extremely fragile state, consult with a textile conservator for further guidance.
Glass and Ceramics
Glass and ceramics are part of many personal collections because they are less susceptible to environmental factors that affect other objects. Because they are decorative and withstand time better if not mishandled, glass and ceramics are often for display purposes only. Glass and Ceramics are most often damaged by improper handling, resulting in breakage. The loss of lead in lead crystal, due to leaching into liquid contents, may make crystal appear cloudy. Staining or discoloration of ceramics may also occur from foods, unsuitable cleaning or repair methods, or contact with metal. The exposure to heat only darkens these stains. To care for your glass and ceramics:
* Make sure your hands are clean, but use bare hands or rubber gloves when handling to ensure firm grip
* Use both hands to pick up objects, not handles or spouts as they may be unstable
* When storing, use cushioning between pieces such as felt pieces cut to size
* Do not store liquids in lead crystal containers for long periods of time as the lead will leach into the liquid
* Resist the temptation to repair breaks with glue as the adhesives may cause further damage
Cloudiness on the surface of glass indicates deterioration of the glass and should not be cleaned. Additionally, fine glass or ceramic pieces should not be put in a dishwasher as the detergents and cleaning cycle are usually very harsh. Glass and ceramics can be cleaned in a basin lined with a soft mat and with lukewarm water and a bit of dish soap. Excess water can be removed with a soft cloth and the piece can be be left to air dry.
Photographs
One of the best and most popular ways to preserve family history is through photographs. Photographic techniques and materials have changed dramatically over the years, and the care for each kind can be very different. The main cause of damage to photographs includes humidity, light, and excessive handling. For general care of photographs:
* Wear clean cotton gloves when handling photographs
* Only handle photographs when necessary and handle them carefully to prevent damage such as tearing
* Place photographs in acid free protective sleeves to guard against dust, dirt, and skin oils
* Store matted and sleeved prints in acid free boxes
* To clean photographs, consult an expert conservator
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