Caring for art, books and ornaments in a coastal villa
Salt air, humidity and dust are hard on paintings, books and treasured pieces. How to dust and protect them safely in a Marbella or Costa del Sol home.
· 2 min read
Why collections suffer near the sea
Moist, salty air, strong light through big windows and fine dust all work on the things we love most. Paper warps and spots, frames and metal tarnish, and varnish slowly dulls.
Winter dampness is the main risk for paper and canvas, and summer sun is the main risk for colour. Good habits address both.
Dusting without damaging
Use a soft, dry brush or a clean microfibre cloth, and lift dust off rather than rubbing it in. Never spray any product directly onto an object; if a cloth needs to be slightly damp, dampen the cloth, and only on sealed, hard surfaces such as glazed ceramics.
Take care with gilded frames, unglazed pottery, old lacquer and anything cracked or repaired. If you are not sure how an object reacts, leave it and ask a conservator or the dealer who sold it.
Paintings, frames and books
Hang paintings on interior walls rather than cold external ones, and away from direct sun and air-conditioning vents. Do not clean the surface of an oil painting yourself; a gentle brush on the frame is enough.
Keep books off damp walls, leave a little space behind them so air can move, and open and dust them lightly a few times a year. A dehumidifier in a library room can make a real difference in winter.
Silver, brass and small display pieces
Metals tarnish quickly in sea air. Wipe them with a soft dry cloth, and use a product made for the specific metal only when needed, as over-polishing wears detail away.
Group small pieces in glass-fronted cabinets, where they stay cleaner, and move them carefully one at a time when cleaning around them.
Having your home cleaned around valuables
If a cleaning team works in your home, tell them which pieces are delicate or irreplaceable, and agree beforehand what should be left untouched. A clear conversation protects both sides.
At Lavanda we adapt our cleaning to the home and to what you ask us to leave alone. Book online to see the starting price; we confirm the final price for your property before the clean.
