It will look like new if properly done.
To clean Paint.
Never use a cloth, but take off the dust with a little longhaired brush, after blowing off the loose parts with the bellows. With care, paint will look well for a length of time. When soiled, dip a sponge or a bit of flannel into soda and water, wash it off quickly, and dry immediately, or the strength of the soda will eat off the colour.
When wainscot requires scouring, it should be done from the top downwards, and the suds be prevented from running on the unclean part as much as possible, or marks will be made which will appear after the whole be finished. One person should dry with old linen as fast as the other has scoured off the dirt and washed the soda off.
To clean Lookingglasses.
Remove the fly stains, and other soil, by a damp rag; then polish with woollen cloth and powder-blue.
To preserve Gilding, and clean it.
It is not possible to prevent flies from staining the gilding without covering it; before which, blow off the light dust, and pass a feather or clean brush over it; then with strips of paper cover the frames of your glasses, and do not remove it till the flies are gone.
Linen takes off the gilding, and deadens its brightness; it should therefore never be used for wiping it.
Some means should be used to destroy the flies, as they injure furniture of every kind, and the paper likewise. Bottles hung about with sugar and vinegar, or beer, will attract them; or fly water put into the bottom of a saucer.