To prolong the life of an object in excellent condition, one handles the object minimally; cleaning and polishing as seldom as consistent with the result needed is recommended. Products that build up any type of finish are to be avoided; nothing is to be used that would be irreversible. A wood-cleaning procedure is described (paste shoe polish is used on wood scratches in preference to commercial wood sticks). Other materials are also discussed: polishing of silver and brass (as well as rust removal); cleaning of glass and frames, and care of paintings and prints. Paint charts for each room are an indispensible part of an old home inventory.