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Why You Should Never Clean Collectibles Without Expert Advice

Collectors and specialists alike often repeat one golden rule—don’t clean valuable items before seeking expert guidance. While it may seem like polishing or dusting could improve an object’s appearance, doing so can drastically reduce its value.

For example, coins can lose up to 90% of their value when cleaned improperly. The same applies to antiques, paintings, and vintage furniture—where a little “grunge” often serves as historical evidence of authenticity.

Only trained specialists who understand an item’s materials, age, and condition can determine whether cleaning will enhance or diminish its worth. That’s why it’s essential to consult a certified expert before attempting any restoration. Many experts also recommend using only certified restorers—professionals who clean or restore items in ways that protect and, when possible, increase value cost-effectively.

The PBS Antiques Roadshow short film “Grunge is Good” illustrates this point beautifully. In the video, an appraiser explains how layers of age and use on antique furniture act like an archaeological record—each layer of varnish, oil, and dust telling part of the item’s story. Under a microscope, these layers appear as colorful striations confirming the piece’s authenticity. When those layers are removed, the proof of history is erased.

💡 Related Video:


• 🎥 Grunge is Good (1 min) 🔗 — PBS Antiques Roadshow / YouTube

One of the show’s most famous examples of this principle is the Furniture Fortune discovery:

Furniture Fortune—$541,000 for $25 Yard Sale Table

📽️ 📅 2020 Report: A schoolteacher in Secaucus, New Jersey, USA, uncovered a hidden treasure at a garage sale—a moldy card table purchased for just $25. Appraisers later identified it as a creation by the famed cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour, estimating its value at up to $300,000. When sold at auction, including the buyer’s premium, this rare find fetched $541,000, setting a world record for Federal furniture. The table’s original finish and untouched layers of age were key to its authenticity and record-setting value. Discover more about this treasure in a seven-minute video

Video: 🔗 PBS Antiques Roadshow / YouTube

In short: grunge is good. Before reaching for a polish or cleaner, reach out to a professional who can help preserve your collectible’s true value and story.