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To tell if pearls are real or not, chose a pearl that is not visible when wearing somewhere toward the back of
a necklace and scrape it across your teeth. If the finish comes off, they are not real.
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To tell if a gold piece is solid gold and not plated, take a small file or emery board and gently buff in an area
that will not be noticeable. If you see silver or copper, it is not solid gold.
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To clean out a vase that you can't reach your hand in, fill the vase with warm water and drop in a couple of
Efferdent tablets until dissolved. This will take out most of the stain.
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Store old purses, hats and linens with one or two used dryer sheets. It keeps them from getting an old musty
odor.
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If you have books or magazines with a musty odor, put them out in the hot sun for a few hours and then seal
in a bag with a used dryer sheet.
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If you have a smoke odor in a doll or any fabric, spray with Carpet Fresh No Vacuum Foam Carpet Refresher
for Pet odors. Let dry outside and within a few days, the smoke odor is completely gone. Do not saturate in
case your colors run. It is better to do it two or three times than to chance ruining your piece.
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For cleaning acrylic paintings and artwork not under glass:
Every once in a while take a clean damp cloth (like an old cotton tee shirt) and gently wipe the surface of an
acrylic painting off to remove grime that has accumulated. This is only for artwork that is not under glass. First
gently try an inconspicuous corner before progressing to be safe. Watch out for areas that are raised with
little mounds of paint. Be careful that you don't catch them with your cloth and rip them off.
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To polish brass make a paste of equal parts of salt, flour and vinegar. Rub on brass with a soft cloth. Rinse
completely. Shine with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
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If you scorch a textile while ironing, rub a cut onion over the scorch, then soak cloth in cold water for one hour.
Rewash and try again.
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Never polish dark antique bronze or you will destroy the old patina and lower the value of the piece.
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When storing any battery run item, remember to remove the batteries first.
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For dusting very intricate porcelain pieces, use a fluffy blush brush.
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Old steel needles found on a Victrola should be changed very often to avoid damage to the records.
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Never store waterglobes in the dark. Light is necessary to keep the liquid inside clear.
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To stop an antique leaky vase from leaking water if you are using it for flowers, roll the inside with parrafin
wax and it will seal the leak.
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Never store a bisque piece in newspaper. The print will rub off on it and it is almost impossible to remove.
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When storing any glass or porcelain piece with a lid, secure the lid in place with tape before wrapping. When
you reopen the package, you are less apt to have it fall off and break.
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When packing a hollow piece to mail, pack the inside tightly with tissue or plastic bags as well as bubble wrap
on the outside. This will help protect it from shock if dropped.
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To remove wax drippings from metal candlesticks, put the candlesticks in the freezer for a few hours.
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MORE TO COME

Helpful hints for Antiques & Collectibles
(some have been tried, others were collected from the web for your convenience)
Please, as with anything, use caution and common sense on expensive items!

D & W Estate Sale Service
(203) 375-6251 or (203) 895-6437