As Dieter Rams said "Good Design should be long-lasting", However, how to keep it last long that is a question.
Today, I read a interesting article "WAX LYRICAL" in Monocle which is about the knowledge of furniture preservation.
BRASS: Brasso has been in production in the UK since 1905 with little change to formula or packaging. Dab the liquid onto a cloth and rub the brass,copper,pewter, chrome or even marked plastic. Leave for 10 minutes the polish the item with another cloth.
METAL: Pikal metal polish by Nihon Maryo Kogyo is a stalwart product that has been used in homes and factories for decades. It's good for everything from golf clubs to motorbike parts. A smear of Pikal and a quick polish will make metal gleam.
LEATHER: Leather requires a very particular cleaning and care process. First sponge it with natural soapy water. After 24 hours dry and using another cloth apply this Gold Quality Laederfedt grease in back-and-forth sweeps, not circular rubs. After 24 hours, wipe off with a clean, soft cloth. This should only be done every five years.
WOOD: Jerk Malmsten, grandson of the great Swedish Furniture designer Carl Malmsten and owner of Malmstenbutiken, points you to Stolab's kit for looking after wood. First sand the wood gently the apply a thin coating of linseed oil with the hessian cloth before wiping it off with the sponge.
LACQUERED WOOD: If your lacquered wood is grease-stained, first try dabbing with a blend of water and vinegar, the patting off with a dry cloth. For deeper stains expert Danish carpenters at Rud Rasmussen recommend Centurio Mobel Polish. They warn to wash the cloth and dispose of it out doors after use - it can spontaneously combust.
FABRIC: For upholstered furniture,heavy-duty fabric was from Portland, Oregon, firm Otter Wax is the answer. Rub the wax gently onto the fabric, use a hairdryer to spread it evenly necessary and with a gentle brush, it will remove any stains. Over time it will build up a water-repellent seal.
MARBLE: The Shirayuki Fukin cloth by Kakitani Texiles can be used for cleaning everything from babies to floors. Made from a layered fabric that mixes rayon, cotton and hemp it's delicate enough for the most fragile objects and is used on the giant Buddha in Nara's ancient Todaiji temple.
SILVER: This cotton mitt from French silver house Christofle is specially treated to bring out the shine from dulling silver. For minor scratches the slightly abrasive paste from German firm Silvex should be rubbed in circles the wiped or washed off
