Caring For Bookends

While minding the details of home design, be sure not to overlook bookends.  By sinply caring for bookends, most types will last for years.

Familiar materials

Bookends are made from a nearly anything.  Consider the special care necessary for various materials.

Metal

Bookends are typically made of metal because the weight keeps the books anchored.  Rust is usually not a problem with metal bookends, though brass and copper may tarnish.  Fortunately, a clear lacquered coating with a specialty finish keeps metal bookends tarnish-free.  Follow these steps to keep the success going.

Occasionally wash metal bookends with warm soapy water to preserve the protective lacquer.

Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Metal bookends set in wood bases should never be washed, though weekly dusting is appropriate.

Wood

Resilient hardwoods such as cherry, mahogany, maple, and oak are great bookends.  Preserving the expert craftsmanship is quite easy.

Regularly dust wood bookends to remove dirt that can weaken the protective finish.

Use cotton fabric for a thorough cleaning.  Keep it damp, but not wet.

Be wary of silicone-based polishes.  They deliver a shine, but compromise finishes and woods.

Keep your wood bookends away from direct sunlight, and stabilize the inside climate to avoid strong fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Porcelain

Fired porcelain bookends are beautiful and sound.  Using all purpose cleaners is appropriate porcelain.  Another excellent option is glass cleaner.  Detail your porcelain bookends with a cotton swab to reach deep into crevices.

Marble or stone

Some cleaners will yellow marble or stone bookends.  These bookends only need warm water and rinse, followed by a thorough drying.

Glass

Glass cleaner is obviously safe to use on these bookends.  For a lasting shine, use lent-free cloths.  Otherwise, charged lint particles will quickly gather on the glass.

More information on bookends