Quality wood furniture lasts a lifetime and is often a vital treasure passed down from generation to generation. That stated, even the finest woods are vulnerable to scratches and scuffs if not appropriately cared for.
When purchasing furniture, it is best to ask for thorough cleaning and care directions. For the furnishings you currently have in your home, here are some ideas to keep the wood in leading condition for generations to come.
1. Don't Abuse Furnishings
Wood is a noble and, in some cases, inconsistent product. Ensure to preserve a continuous space temperature between 18 ° C and 21 ° C and a humidity level between 45% and 55%. Extreme temperature and humidity variations can subject your wood surface to stress that can result in cracks or twisting. Therefore, location it away from heat sources such as heating units and fireplaces. Likewise, prevent being too close to a window.
UV rays can harm the surface finish of your furniture and tarnish the wood. Because of this, you must stay out of the light for as long as possible. Additionally, make it a habit to move any decorative items on your desk (such as lamps, vases, computer displays, and so on) to prevent the effects of the sun from leaving their imprint on the nearby area.
To avoid rings and heat damage, constantly use rollercoasters when positioning glasses or mugs on wooden tables. Never place hot food straight on them without a tripod or thermos to safeguard them. Include decorative placemats or tablecloths to secure your table from food and beverage spills.
2. Prevent Environmental Damage
Sunlight, heat and other environmental factors can damage your quality wood. Do not put important furniture in front of uncovered windows, vents or fireplaces, as light and heat can damage and fade the wood.
3. Dust Frequently
Nobody likes cleaning. However, housework is one of the best methods to take care of your furniture. Airborne particles can form a film on the wood, which can scratch the surface. Frequent cleaning will prevent this build-up from happening. Constantly utilize soft fabrics such as cotton T-shirts, fabric diapers or microfiber for outside wood tables to prevent damage. Lambswool dusters are excellent for embellishing ornate carvings or hard-to-reach areas, as they can effectively bring in and hold dust.
4. Keep Wood Clean
Sometimes cleaning is insufficient, and you may discover it is needed to clean your wood furniture. Do not utilize all-purpose cleaners, which can harm surfaces. If you have an unclean or sticky stain, soak fabric in water, including a moderate detergent. Wring out as much as possible and gently clean the location. Constantly rinse with wet fabric, including water, then wipe instantly with a soft, dry cloth.
Make sure to quickly clean up spills, dirt, or discolourations so you may achieve better results with less work.
Never use powdered abrasives or other corrosive cleaning agents like lye, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, hypochlorite bleach, or hydrochloric acid. They'll probably scratch up the wood's surface.
5. Secure Your Wood
Many commercial polishes and sprays consist of petroleum distillates or silicone oils to supply a fresh, shiny finish and some security for your wood. Make sure not to use too much product as it can cause a shine-free, sticky film to form in the mix with dirt. Constantly clean well when using items to prevent this accumulation, and never use these items with a wax protector as this combination can cause another sticky mess.
6. Dealing With Wwear And Tear
Even with the very best care, wooden furniture can take a toll. Use an item like Old English Scratch Cover for minor scratches and scuffs. This liquid polish will hide scuffs and restore the wood's intrinsic charm.
Suppose the damage is too significant to treat with polish or refinishing sticks, and you're not prepared to give up your precious fixtures. In that case, you may require to take a more aggressive technique. Painting a harmed furniture piece will breathe new life into it and make it great for a few more years. The painting will likewise enable you to conserve time by avoiding sanding, something you can't do if you select to re-stain.
7. Cleaning Your Wooden Work Surface
We highly suggest weekly cleaning. Dust your wooden furniture routinely with a soft fabric. Any cleaning done on the wood surface ought to gently follow the grain of the wood. Avoid scrubbing the stain too hard; you do not wish to modify the surface in the targeted locations.
Start by removing any stains with a delicate microfiber cloth dampened with lukewarm or room temperature water. After that, quickly dry with a soft, clean cloth or a paper towel. Always neat, going with the grain of the wood.
If the stain resists the first cleaning step, include a moderate detergent. For instance, soapy water (1 spoonful of dishwashing soap - ideally odourless - blended with one litre of lukewarm water) works effectively! Gently wash the wooden surface with a tidy paper towel or soft cloth. Rinse and dry the desk surface area with lateral motions in the direction of the wood.
8. Re-oiling Dry Wood.
If the furniture has been stored and is too dry, you might need to re-oil it. First, tidy it with Murphy's Oil Soap or another suitable cleaner, then prepare the surface with # 0000 steel wool, always using grain. Apply furniture oil freely and let it soak into the wood for about 15 minutes. If you apply a protective covering, enable your furniture to sit for a minimum of 24 hours before continuing.
9. Re-wax As Needed
Depending on the finish, some furnishings might have a wax protective finish. As these pieces age, it might be required to re-wax the surface for continued protection. Constantly prepare the surface with great # 0000 steel wool, then wipe with a soft cloth to remove any residue. Apply a coat of wax with a Scotch Brite pad, using light pressure and constantly following the grain. Do not enable the wax to set for more than 20 minutes. Eliminate excess wax with a tidy Scotch Brite pad and buff with a soft fabric till the surface area feels smooth to the touch.
10. Keep The Wood Smelling Fresh
Often old pieces can develop an undesirable smell, specifically if they have been stored. You can sprinkle sodium bicarbonate on the surface to refresh it and put a tray of charcoal in the drawer to take in the odour from within. You can even put these furnishings outside in the shade on a warm, dry day to eliminate the odour and offer your furnishings a new look.
