What have we learned so far about old things?
You know, researching the history of historical and vintage items is so much more difficult than we thought, After many trips to the library, and bookstores, and MANY searches on the web, I still have the following questions:
1) Who is the pottery artist named "de Vegh?"
2) What is the story on the Gefle company in Sweden?
3) Who is Lewis Weil?
And many others. It's back to the books on this one.
The objects themselves are interesting, however, it's the story behind each one that I find fascinating. I spied this on a book list somewhere and thought it might explain my general fascination. Objects of Desire: The Lives of Antiques...
To this end, the folks on the eBay Community Discussion boards have been INVALUABLE. I tip my hat to their good judgement, generousity and kindness. Thank you folks. (If you are ever confused about something's identity, check with these folks...they REALLY know their stuff!)
Also, if you want to complete Mom's wedding china set with that cup and saucer that you accidentally broke when you were 11, here is you BIG CHANCE. Replacements, LTD can at least get you started...
I've learned that vinegar is a handy cleaner when it comes to old glass and even metal. Straight ammonia (use in well-ventilated area, protect clothes, wood and other surfaces) can strip years of grime off of a window and chandelier and linoleum tile. (Thanks Mom)
Using Oxyclean then a gentle vinegar rinse breathes new life (and white) into some darkened or stained linens. Treat stains with a combination of salt and vinegar using a small fingernail brush. Or with an enzyme-absorbing stain remover. Dry in the sunshine on a breezy day...the sun will lighten and is a critical part of the process! I was blown away by how snowy white I was able to get an old lace daily after a gentle vinegar rinse and some time in the sun.
(sorry...took the second picture at night with the overhead light on, created some funky shadows)
A dehumidifier is critical in a musty, damp basement. Yahhoo!
LPG says that using vodka on a rag to wipe down the drawers of antiques and built-ins gets ALL the musty, old smell out. But I have been too afraid to try it. I throw dryer sheets in them instead but I think I may have to try her approach soon.
I'm going to use an interesting stucco cleaning recipe I found today...I'll post the results later.
Any one else have cleaning or freshening words of wisdom? Bungalow pals? Relatives? livejournal folks? eBay friends? Friends in general?
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Comments
i'm a big fan of baking soda. you can sprinkle it on rugs or carpet, instead of that heavily scented "carpet fresh" stuff, then vacuum it up to get rid of mustiness or animal smells. and it makes a decent bathroom cleaner, since it's only slightly abrasive and easy on old porcelain. and you can't beat the price! if you like vinegar, then you'll love baking soda.
Posted by: Mary | July 27, 2003 11:32 PM
Oxyclean is my personal favorite. I have geriatric cats who are not always, um, tidy, shall we say? This stuff will get rid of any odor, any stain, anywhere. I even had some success with horrible black stains on my wood floors caused by a certain liquid that dissolved the vegetable dyes in my antique Persian rug. (bad, bad, bad Kitty). Be careful though, it tends to bleach
Posted by: Gina | July 27, 2003 11:33 PM
A few of mine:
I think one of the best ways to freshen a new house is to have the heating vents/returns cleaned. The PO of my house had dogs (with a truckload of hair), so I had mine cleaned.....turns out that they hadn't been cleaned in a looooong time :-)
That new allergy Fabreeze is pretty great.
Every spring I wash all of my walls in water with a little Dreft soap...then rinse w/ water. Been doing it for close to 20 years with no ill effects (learned this from my grandma)....and it leaves that nice smell.
It may be the germ phobe in me.....but I regularily nuke my bathroom hex tile and kitchen sink in bleach (or lemon ammonia) water.
And finally, I adore those Aveda aroma diffuser oils. I put them on a clay lighblub rings and enjoy. Madagascar is my fav.
Posted by: suzanne | July 28, 2003 8:28 AM
Omg, and I forgot my new best friend....the Swiffer duster.
Posted by: suzanne | July 28, 2003 8:28 AM
Re: Baking soda and vinegar...
. . .But not necessarily in the same container.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 29, 2003 12:40 AM
i think the most effective way to use vodka to freshen cabinets is to pour a double shot in a glass of ice, add some cranberry juice and an orange slice, stir, drink, and repeat until the musty cabinets seem perfectly fine...
Posted by: Mary | July 31, 2003 8:02 AM
We have two pet that love our den and especially the rug. In the past we had to throw out and replace it with a new due to one dog destroying it totally. Now he is trained but the odors or in
the rug, leather couches on just around. How do
we solve this problem
Posted by: kathy giordano | October 5, 2003 8:05 AM
You could try a few things...putting baking soda where the offending odor is and then vacuuming it up again after it sits. That sometimes works if you this a few times.
Pet odors are tough! It's almost as if they don't respond to much. There are cleaning products available through your local large Pet store (as in Pet Smart) or through you vet that can help. You might have to have it professionally cleaned or replace it...that is one odor that stays and stays and comes back when it is humid out. Here are a few links that may help:
http://www.naturalmagic.com/
http://www.mistermax.com/faq.html
http://www.jacobsenrugs.com/clean.htm
http://www.dalworth.com/cfaqs/faqs.htm
By the way, I have not had to use any of the products suggested in the links (knock on wood!) so I can't rate their effectiveness. Use at your own discretion.
Posted by: J | October 5, 2003 8:27 AM
Sorry, I mentioned it in the Twelfth Batch but didn't report it here. We have already tracked down Geza de Vegh, art potter and painter who created the vase from the Twelfth Batch in 1938 for the potteries owned by Francis Joseph Von Tury in Perth Amboy, NJ. Both de Vegh and Von Tury were originally born in Miskolc, Hungary during the same decade. Both conducted research for improving the ceramic glazes and design of porcelain artware.
What we are going to do with that information, I have no idea yet. Mid-Century Modern Ceramics. Whoa.
Posted by: jmo | March 26, 2004 12:29 AM