A shiny new stringed instrument or a well maintained old one both require careful looking after if they are to last and keep their value. There are many instruments around now which have survived two or three centuries or longer and which work as well as the day they were made. In fact they may work better because members of the violin family often improve with use and with age.
Damp can cause the instrument to become totally unglued - do avoid it.
Extremes of heat should be avoided - never leave a stringed instrument too near a stove or radiator.
After using your instrument clean the excess rosin off using a dry clean duster.
Regularly dust your instrument all over and use violin cleaner every so often to keep it like new.
Occasionally vacuum clean the inside of your case making sure you remove all particles of rosin.
Always make sure your bow is slackened before putting it away.
Even if you are not playing an instrument regularly keep it tuned.
When travelling your instrument make sure that it is well protected in the case by using extra padding if necessary.
When not in its case make sure that it is not left where it can be knocked over or off, kicked, sat upon or fallen over.
Always remember that stringed instruments and their bows are easily broken.