Hello World! Welcome Friends! Owning wooden furniture can be a wonderful thing, whether it’s tables, chairs, or cabinets. It’s important to steward it well, however, if you want it to stay at its best. If you don’t, the wood may crack and discolor from water damage or age, or it may become marked, dented, or scratched.
In this article, we will go over 6 maintenance tips to make your wooden furniture last longer and keep your pieces looking new for many years to come.
1. Use Oil
Oil your furniture every few months to protect it from becoming dry or brittle. If you apply a small amount of natural oil or wax to the wood it will also protect it from moisture. While things like wax and oil can keep your furniture shiny, don’t use them too often, otherwise you will wear away the finish. It’s always best to use a natural oil to condition your furniture and to avoid using harsh chemicals on the wood.
It’s worth researching online if you want more information about the different oils you can use. If you’re looking at tung oil vs teak oil you can discover the ingredients and benefits, as well as the downsides and when not to use it. You can also find out about danish oils and read posts on the best deck strippers and different types of wood finishes.
2. Protect Your Furniture
Here’s a handy list of tips:
- Protect your furniture from water damage by investing in a glass top table
- Use coasters when placing drinks on wooden surfaces to avoid any moisture seeping in. Hot drinks could warp the furniture over time
- Don’t leave heavy objects on top of it for extended periods of time because it can cause warping in the wood
- Make sure you have enough space for all your furniture so it doesn’t rub against each other, for instance when you hoover or move things around
- Keep the furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators and fireplaces as this can dry out your furniture
- Store it in a cool place during winter, but not in an unheated garage or shed
- Store food in sealed containers instead of leaving it out where it might spill onto your wood surfaces
3. Perform Maintenance
Regularly inspect your furniture to identify any damage or termite Infestations, and act immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse. You could hire an expert (e.g. a pest specialist) or purchase things like a do-it-yourself wood restorer.
Keep an eye out for any loose joints and tighten up the screws or use some glue if necessary. Also check the nuts, bolts, hinges, and handles every six months for loose fittings.
4. Clean and Dust It
Clean your furniture with damp cloths and do it in the direction of the grain. Avoid using water when cleaning wherever possible; use either dry microfiber cloths or cleaners specifically designed for wood. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your furniture as they can damage it over time. Select paper towels rather than wet wipes because they have less lint. It’s important that you never let liquid sit on woods like mahogany, walnut, cherrywood, etc., without wiping it up immediately.
You could use a microfiber cloth for dusting, removing smudges and fingerprints, and to clean glass surfaces. Dusting will help keep any oils on your skin away from furniture and therefore prevent damage to the wood finishes. Be sure to give the furniture a good shake every few months to remove dust from crevices.
5. Polish It
Use wood polish on the surface of the furniture for protection against water damage. You could use mineral oil, beeswax, or lemon juice. Polish your furniture two or three times a year but avoid doing so when the wood is too dry as this can damage the surface.
If you have applied one coat of polish, and later notice that it’s starting to fade or wear away – reapply another layer. The best time to apply more polish is before winter. This is when there are usually stronger changes in temperature which can crack any type of wooden furniture.
6. Add A Protective Finish
Stains are inevitable, and the easiest way to remove them is to re-apply the stain, let it dry and then finish it with a protective coat of varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, or wax for added protection and shine.
Hopefully, these 6 points have helped you understand the different ways you can look after your precious furniture. With a little care and attention, you’ll be able to keep its shipshape and appreciate its natural beauty well into the future.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Save Some Money On Home Groceries
Make Your Outdoor Space Look Stunning
Maintaining And Cleaning Your House
The Low-Down On Your Tenant’s Security Deposit
How to Choose the Right Plants for your Garden
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Toodles,
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