5 Simple Tips for Maintaining Your Wood Furniture
Good quality wood furniture is a beautiful timeless investment in your home. You hope to be able to use and enjoy it for many years to come.
The best way to preserve the life of solid-wood furniture is to take great care of it. With a little TLC, it will look its best and may become a treasured family heirloom.
Wood furniture isn’t hard to care for if you know what to do. If you’re looking for ways to maintain your furniture, we have some helpful tips.
Here are 5 simple ways to care for wood furniture.
1. Dust Regularly
Did you know that excess dust can scratch your wood furniture? As dust particles build up over time, they can mark and scratch the wood finish.
To prevent this, wipe down your furniture with a soft cloth once a week. You can use a dry or slightly damp cloth.
Wipe in the direction of the wood grain. if you use a damp cloth, wipe off any excess moisture.
2. Be Careful Where You Place It
Natural wood is sensitive to changes in temperature. Placing your wood furniture by a heating vent, near a cold draft, or in direct sun can cause the wood to warp or crack.
Unless you’re purchasing quality outdoor wood furniture, it shouldn’t be exposed to prolonged sunlight. This can result in “spotting” where small bright or dark spots appear along the cross-section.
If your table must be exposed to direct sunlight, using a tablecloth can mitigate this effect.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Most of the time, you only need a soft dry cloth to clean wood furniture. Occasionally, you may need a damp cloth and water or a mild dish soap solution.
Use a mild soap for stubborn food and liquid stains and wipe off excess moisture with a soft cloth. The sooner you tackle a stain, the easier it will be to remove.
You should avoid most wood cleaners, especially ones that are ammonia-, alcohol-, or silicone-based. Invest in a gentle, everyday wood cleaner instead.
4. Oil and Wax Regularly
Oiling and waxing will help your furniture look its best. It makes wood furniture shine and adds a protective coating to the surface.
It’s a good idea to oil and wax solid wood furniture every three months to keep it looking its best for years to come.
5. Let It Age Gracefully
High-quality wood furniture will age over time and show some character as the years go by. Some woods lighten in color while others darken.
Taking care of your indoor and outdoor wood furniture is the best way to ensure it ages gracefully. Before you buy wood furniture, consider the type of wood you’re purchasing and be mindful of its aging habits.
Taking Care of Wood Furniture
When you purchase real wood furniture, it’s an investment to enjoy now and in the years ahead. Keeping your furniture looking its best takes a little TLC, but it’s worth it!
If you’re looking to purchase some new indoor or outdoor wood furniture, we have a fantastic selection to choose from. At Unfinished Furniture of Wilmington, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible customer service and would love to help you.
Take a moment to browse through our collections of quality home furnishings.