Caring for Your Collection

By Lee Bernstein

The following information is provided to educate and inform. eBay is not liable or responsible for any type of damage or loss caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information below.

Many of the rules that apply to displaying your collectibles also apply to caring for them – keep them out of the sunlight, and do not expose them to excess humidity, dryness, or extreme temperatures.

To dust a fragile collectible, use a soft brush instead of a cloth. Remove your jewelry before handling. If oil from skin can damage or discolor the collectible, wear clean cotton gloves.

The best advice: Until you know the best way to care for your collectible, you may only want to dust it (and dust only if absolutely necessary). Dust dry, that is: don't use dusting sprays.

As tempting as it may be, it's best not to do anything to care for your collectible until you've carefully researched how to take care of it. If possible, speak to an authority. At the very least, borrow or buy a book that discusses preferred methods.

Cleaning or trying to restore an item might ruin the finish. Worse yet, if you improve the finish, you may lower or ruin the value. There are numerous cases where items once worth thousands (or more) became worthless simply because someone cleaned them. Many collectors want items in the most original condition possible, including aging and blemishes. Everyday cleaning methods such as dipping silver, applying polish or spray cleaners, repairing flaws, refinishing wood, and so on can damage more than protect. Don't take any chances.

Go to the library or bookstore and ask for books on your collectible or call an expert and ask about how to clean and care for your collectible. A little caution now can save you a lot of grief (and money) later.

The preceding material was written by Lee Bernstein. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.