How to Care for Antique Icons in Your Home?

Whether you keep antique icons for collecting purposes, aesthetic appreciation, or prayer, you need to be aware of the basic practices of caring for these precious objects. In the Orthodox Christian tradition, religious icons are considered “windows into the Heavenly Realm,” making them extremely important to every believer. If you possess, let’s say, Russian antique icons at home and don’t know how to keep them intact for years to come, read on to learn some useful tips on how to care for these shrines. ?

1. Do not wipe the icon with a damp cloth

As you know, antique icons are covered with drying oil. If you wipe an icon with a wet rag, the image may swell and deteriorate. Remove dust only with a dry rag or soft brush.

2. Do not place lit candles close to icons

Do not hold candles close to your antique icons, as you may cause them to catch fire or have wax spilled on the icon. If you do find that an icon has been damaged by a candle, use an art restoration or art preservation service.

3. Keep the icon away from heat sources

Avoid hanging or placing an antique icon near a radiator or other heat sources, as warm air can dry out the wooden board of the piece.

4. Avoid sharp temperature fluctuations

The room where you keep the icons should have minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations. The optimum temperature is 15-18 degrees Celsius.

5. Do not place the icon on a windowsill

A window sill is a taboo area for icons. The draft or cold can destroy your icon.

6. Use a kiot

Use a kiot (a special glass box) if you want to protect your icon from dust, soot, insects, etc.

Finally, you can always turn to icon experts if you need professional help with the preservation of your precious collection of antique icons.?