Hobbies And Interests
Hardware
Years of neglect in the attic or basement may have resulted in wear and tear on your trunk. This shows up as rust and grime on hardware. Latches, steel corners, strips, locks and nails--commonly made of brass, metal and flat tin--are best removed before cleaning.
Steel wool or a steel brush, worked in a circular motion, will give new luster to tin or metal. For brass, use a polish to restore the shine. However, replacing the hardware may be the best decision if you are concerned about utility rather than restoration.
Inside
While opening your steamer trunk may reveal hidden treasures, it also may betray the age and condition of the trunk and ultimately its usefulness. Newspaper, wallpaper and thin calico print fabrics were common materials for outfitting the inside of steamer trunks. Unfortunately, these materials trap mildew, giving rise to some powerfully musty odors over time. It̵7;s best to remove the interior materials using a sharp blade or utility knife.
Wash down the insides of the trunk using mild soap and water, taking care not to use too much water. Let your trunk dry completely. You may wish to apply a thin coat of a mildew-killing product before affixing another liner material.
Outside
Antique steamer trunks feature leather straps, metal strips and decorative tin in addition to the hardware. Remove these before addressing the trunk̵7;s finish. If they are worn or, in the case of leather, appear to be brittle or crumbly, replace them with new materials.
The right way to refinish the body of the trunk depends upon the material used in its construction. Flat tin can be cleaned and brought back to its original luster with some elbow grease and steel wool. Wood should be stripped clean, then refinished with wood stain. Leather can be treated with leather cleaner, then rubbed with saddle soap to regain its suppleness. A few applications of baby oil will remove old destination and address stickers with a minimum of distress to the finish.