We have a floor-standing black lacquer screen with both inserts and overlays of jade. We would like to clean it and spruce it up because it has accumulated some dust and small dull patches.

Most jade pieces are polished with beeswax during the finishing process so they do not require deep cleaning, and lacquer finishes scratch very easily with abrasive cleaners, so you want to use soft materials and mild cleaners.

I would recommend you use plain water with a mild soap such as baby shampoo (very little).

You want to pat your surface, do not wipe. You can use cotton balls or Q-tips for the inlays and even an inexpensive makeup brush. For the rest of the surface you can use a microfiber cloth. Make sure you do small areas at a time, drying as you go. If the water sits on the lacquer too long it may leave a water mark.

Dave Foster is the store manager for the Home Depot in Brentwood.