Quality wood furniture has the durability to last time and even be passed down to future generations as an heirloom.
Still, even if your wood furniture is of the highest quality, it’s still susceptible to marks and abrasions.
Therefore, you need to make sure you are taking proper care of your wood furniture. Of course, it’s ideal that when you purchase a new piece of wood furniture, you ask the seller for specific care instructions.
However, if you have some wood furniture in your home that you’re not quite sure how to care for, we have some general tips that you can follow. Read on to find out what they are!
1. Dust Often
Although it may not be the most fun activity, dusting is one of the best ways to keep your wood in top shape.
This is because a lot of wood scratched actually come from built up layers of dust. Therefore, frequent dusting can help prevent this build up.
Use soft materials to dust – an old cotton t-shirt will do just fine. Feather dusters are also great. And, make sure to dampen the material a bit before dusting in order to prevent the particles from just floating into the air and then resettling.
2. Clean it Properly
Sometimes, dusting isn’t enough to get the job done. Every once in awhile, a good cleaning is necessary.
All you need is a mild dish soap and some warm water to clean the area. For especially tough spots, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub at it.
If you have a super tough stain that’s dark, you can blot it gently with some vinegar. For white stains from wet glasses, baking soda or toothpaste work well.
Just make sure to never soak the area you are cleaning, and to never use all-purpose cleaner either.
3. Take Preventive Measures
The best way to take care of your wood is to not mistreat it in the first place.
Always use coasters for drinks and make sure to never put hot plates directly on the table. Instead, use a potholder.
Also, make sure to keep your wood furniture out of the sun. Sun coming through a window can easily get above 140 degrees, and can fade, shrink, dry out and eventually destroy wood overtime.
Also, keep wood furniture away from heating vents and use a humidifier to add moisture during drier months.
Also, keep an eye out for termites, as these nasty creatures are extremely attracted to wood furniture. There are telltale signs you have termites in your home, so be aware of these.
4. Polish it Up
Most commercial polishes contain chemicals that can help give your wood a tiny finish and a layer of protection.
However, just make sure to not use too much, as the polish can mix with dirt and create a film. Buffing will help to avoid this buildup, as will avoiding products that contain a wax protectant.
5. Keep it Smelling Fresh
Older wooden furniture in particular tends to develop an odor that is unpleasant, especially if it has been stored for awhile.
To get rid of these odors, just sprinkle on some baking soda. For smells inside wood drawers, you can place a pan of charcoal inside to help absorb the smell.
