Cleaning Antiques & Vintage Treasures

📱Connect With Me! 😊
Instagram: genevieveharring
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@andreaschmall5560]

This is the first video I have ever seen by a thrifter that addresses the cleaning of used items. I have my own tried and true methods but I appreciate someone finally acknowledging the fact that thrifted items need cleaning and sterilization. So frequently they might allude to the fact that an item needs some cleaning but the never get into explaining their process, if any. Many thrifters are resellers and don't mention whether or not or how deeply they clean an item before selling it. The idea that anyone would just immediately incorporate an item into their home without a proper and thorough cleaning is unfathomable to me. There is also the idea of cleansing away old vibes and truly making it your own that is so satisfying, IMO. I do wash wooden items, but very quickly and I don't soak them but very often there is a layer of grime and I will use a natural "soft scrub" that I keep on hand or baking soda and water which I might make into a paste for gentle scrubbing. I dry the wood item very thoroughly with paper towels and then air dry and when I am sure they are completely dry, I give them a coat of mineral oil in order to prevent the wood from drying out and to refresh the finish. Thanks for the video but I would play happier music when mucky items are finally clean.😂

[@ClaireDeom]

I recommend an old tooth brush to your cleaning supplies to get in cracks and crevices. I sterilize them in peroxide before using them to clean with.

[@conniemorgan8402]

I save my old battery spin toothbrushes to clean with.

[@conniemorgan8402]

I don’t know what glue that goodwill uses but that stuff could hold a plane together.. dollar store, too

[@shannonjohnson2105]

Thanks Genevieve for showing us this important video . I knew about the soap and hot water soaking your items in . Didn’t know to use a disinfectant wipe for wooden items . I learned something.

[@lynnloehr1566]

I can add to your cleaning arsenal!! Magic eraser!! Just test on a spot that doesn't show, but they work great for removing heavy dirt. It works on so many things, just don't rub too hard. Denture cleaning tabs! You can drop them in hard to reach places like a vase, or like your coal oil lamp, use hot water with them, and they help get off hard water spots and gunk. You might have to do it a couple of times, but they are great for narrow openings. Plain vegetable oil will also work on stickers without the smell. It's a chemical thing, the oil breaks down the adhesive. It will also work on crayon marks. A flexible narrow bottle brush, this will bend around corners and into tiny places. Also, I found out the hard way, but if you get a vintage lamp and its amber colored, or any color really, that may just be a thin layer that is baked on, it looks kind of like cellophane. I bought an adorable little amber glass lamp, brought it home and soaked the chimney in hot water and dish soap, came back an hour later and all the amber was in little pieces floating in the water. My lamp ended up clear! Lesson learned. You can also buy new tops and wicks for your lamp if you can't get it to turn. Amazon or Hobby Lobby. Great tips as always, have a great weekend.

[@andreaschmall5560]

Citrasolv is another natural product that removes stucky residue. It needs a bit more elbow grease than Goo Gone but is chemical-free and smells better.

[@dorothydewoody2777]

Thank you Genevieve for the video. I also soak my glass treasures too!!!

[@deannabrock5951]

❤❤ I love the oil lamp ,so dainty ❤️❤️

[@robinnieto2703]

I appreciate this video. Even though I do the same thing as you when I bring items into my home, whether new or thrifted, it’s a good way to show others and remind us all to take care of these things.

[@Christal-r4y]

Very helpful video . Thanks for sharing, God Bless🙏❤️

[@melissalehman2891]

Cleaning my thrifted finds is my favorite thing to do☺☺

[@maryannkilduff8659]

Great tips. I clean my sponges with disinfectant soap then put in my microwave on high for 90 seconds. Kills any germs or bacteria. ❤

[@donnalee3082]

Maggie is such a good girl! The music in this video was so soothing I almost fell asleep! Can't wait for more!

[@deborah3055]

Thanks for the great tips Genevieve!

[@JeffandLoriJohnson]

Great ideas!

[@sherrykahn2474]

Some really good cleaning tips!!!!Thank you for that!!!😁❤👍

[@karlavedder3139]

Thanks for sharing abd reminding us about safety too.

[@debbied3116]

Interesting info...thank you!!

[@tammyleviner3070]

Got to have those disinfectent wipes, they are a must for cleaning!😊 Magic erasers work well for residue also. I agree with vinegar water & dish soap on glass for disinfecting, especially if your gonna use it for food! Always A joy to watch😊

[@conniemorgan8402]

I love my casserole dishes❤️

[@Jlr57]

I never put my Pyrex in the Dishwasher because the color and pattern will be ruined. Obviously any clear glass Pyrex is fine for the Dishwasher.

[@leekorten1791]

Very interesting and helpful information. Any soft toys that can't go in the wash, I put in a plastic bag, then pop them in the freezer for 24 hours . Any thing that may have been on them will have departed, then for good measure, a quick wipe over with a disinfectant wipe 💞

[@susannewland1259]

Great cleaning info Genevieve & the animal lover that I am it was nice to see Miss Maggie in your arms at the close of your video. She is a sweetheart🩵

[@christined2495]

I was thinking of you the other day, I went to a antique mall and there was a huge booth with just vintage Pyrex , they had everything but very $$$$$

[@lindacoslet2883]

I really enjoy your show, !you probably already know that you can buy a new wick for oil lamps,

[@MaxsMom-bv6hf]

The Dollar store has new wicks. I would throw away the one that is presently in the oil lamp because it may be dry and not able to absorb new oil.

[@alishaburcham9811]

Great tips. I have a unrelated question, but how do you know when your antiques are safe to use for reasons like lead?

[@genevievelynn737]

I mentioned that in the end of the video!! There’s lead kits on Amazon ☺️💛

[@alishaburcham9811]

Thanks!

[@cathygeary100]

Thank you Genevieve. Great ideas. I have to becareful what I clean with vinegar soap is what I use. I have bad asthma copd it's hard to use other cleaners Have a great weekend God Bless ❤❤❤

[@lauragarrette9220]

Hi Genevieve 💓 fun tips always Laura

[@karenrechsteiner7100]

I saw some of your thrifted Pyrex casserole dishes on our local FB marketplace. But very high prices! I think people have caught on that they are worth a lot. They had the green and white one you showed but I won’t pay the price they were asking!

[@lesliejackson8188]

*You may know this, Genevieve, but NEVER put Pyrex in the dishwasher! It will RUIN YOUR Pyrex by etching it and removing the outside color. 😞* *Hardware stores sell new wicks for oil lamps; they are easy to replace. 🙂* *The little brushes sold to clean reusable metal straws are GREAT for cleaning things with tiny crevices. Also Barkeeper's Friend is a wonderful cleaner that cleans WITHOUT SCRATCHING. It works great on an old toothbrush to remove coffee and tea stains from mugs and cups, no matter if they are china, ironstone, ceramic or another material. 😊*

[@skye4743]

Thanks for sharing tips! I've had the dreaded sticker experience, too. Believe it or not, I've had success with Dawn Power Wash dish soap plus Scrub Daddy (& a final wee push of fingernail pressure!). ❤😊

[@ruthfitzwater-cn3vc]

I would like to remind everyone that they should never use tea tree oil around pets-especially not in misters and anything your pet might lick or chew. It is toxic to dogs especially.

[@booklady8888]

What do you put in your cleaner? I had one I did and lost recipe.

[@genevievelynn737]

Half water, half vinegar and about 10 drops of lemon or orange essential oil!

[@annm6941]

👍🥰✅