Dos and Don’ts of Wood Furniture Care
If wood furniture is your thing, you know how important it is to take care of your all-time favorite pieces. Wood furniture is the best of all worlds – timeless and durable while being stunningly eye-catching. To keep your wood furniture looking as if you just had it delivered, follow these dos and don’ts of wood furniture care.
Get Away from The Heat
Location matters – especially when it comes to wood furniture. To keep your wood furniture in tip-top shape, look where it is physically located in the room. If your favorite piece is sitting in the sun, it’s time for a little reorganization. Direct sunlight can cause irreversible damage to your wood pieces, so adding drapes or protective window films will be extremely beneficial if you don’t want to move the location of your furniture. In addition, move your furniture away from areas with high air conditioning flow, fireplaces, ovens, and heating vents.
Remember What Your Mom Told You
If you grew up in a house like mine, you were constantly told to use coasters. Well turns out, Mom is always right. When it comes to wooden furniture, always use felt or cork coasters under cups, mugs, vases, you name it. Rubber or plastic pads are not recommended on wood due to the small amount of damage they can add to the wood’s finish.
Keep It Clean
Cleanliness is key when it comes to wooden furniture. The better you clean, the better it looks, and the longer it lasts. When the inevitable spills happen, clean immediately. Do not let the spill sit on the wood for an extended period of time – blot as soon as it happens. On top of this, dust your furniture on a regular basis. To do this, simply use a damp towel (or microfiber cloth) and wipe all exposed surfaces. If you see grease on the wood surface, use a mixture of oil soap and water to get your piece looking clean again. The most important part of all of this – make sure to follow the direction of the grain when cleaning.
Stop What You Are Doing
It’s now time to hit you with the “don’ts” when it comes to wooden furniture. The main takeaway – NEVER combine furniture polish with wax. It may be a tempting idea to lead you to extra shiny furniture, but the reality is quite the opposite. If you combine the two, it will result in a gummy build up on the surface, which will negatively impact the piece’s aesthetic while attracting dust, dirt, and smoke particles. Moral of the story – stick with either polish OR wax.
Look At Your Cleaning Agents
Even though wood furniture is typically extremely durable, it is vital to look at what you are cleaning with. Stay away from water-based cleaning products as they can cause the wood to warp and damage to the finish. In addition, avoid harsh cleaning agents such as ammonia, as these types of cleaners will break down the wood finish, leaving you with an unrecognizable piece. Lastly, we suggest not spraying the furniture directly when cleaning. The spray will leave a sticky residue that will collect dust, dirt and germs.
Wood furniture buys are typically investments due to the longevity and durability that they naturally provide. If you follow these tips and take care of your favorite end table, it will be your favorite end table to stand the tests of time!