An antique’s finish, patina, decoration, or previous repair may be more fragile than the underlying material. A cleaner that works on a modern surface may permanently damage an older object.

Identify the object and the finish

Start with gentle dry dusting if appropriate. Before using liquids, acids, abrasives, solvents, wax, or oil, identify the material and coating. Valuable, painted, gilded, porous, repaired, or historically important pieces deserve advice from a qualified conservator. Patina is not necessarily dirt that should be removed.

Use products only as labeled

The former list made broad claims about Goo Gone, metal polishes, OxiClean, CLR, oven cleaner, and other products. Those claims do not establish compatibility with an antique. Read the current label, test only where appropriate, and never assume a product works on “most materials.” Do not mix cleaners or seal chemically treated objects in bags without explicit product instructions.

Avoid irreversible experiments

Do not immerse fragile ceramics, scrub decorated glass, treat historic plastics, oil porous objects, or polish a valued patina on general blog advice. If a harmless dry method does not resolve the problem, stop and seek material-specific guidance. Record any approved treatment so future care is informed.