Care Tips for Your Wooden Furniture Pieces

Wood is a natural material, however, and it can be damaged by incorrect use or care. Make sure you treat your wood furniture pieces properly by following these care tips.

General Use

Furniture is meant to be used and enjoyed, not simply shut behind a curtain and only occasionally seen. That said, you should always take care to avoid doing anything that could potentially harm the surface of the wood. Some tips that may help include:

Using a tablecloth or runner to help protect the surface of tables

• Always using a coaster or placemat to avoid water rings
• Placing a tray beneath candles to catch any wax drips
• Always using a trivet or protective pad beneath hot pans
• Block direct sunlight from landing on your furniture to help avoid discoloration due to UV rays
• Avoid placing your wooden furniture in very humid environments to avoid swelling, warping, or discoloration
• Use a protective pad when writing with sharpened tools on a wood table or when placing heavy objects on the wood
• Avoid using things like nail polish or acetone removers on or near your wood furniture to avoid discoloration or staining

Cleaning Your Wooden Furniture

Whether you intend to clean your furniture yourself, or you want tips to pass on to your cleaning service, it helps to make sure that you have the right cleansers on hand at all times. Most wood furniture is coated in some type of finish that helps protect the wood grain and give it its luster. This finish can be made of many things from plastic to resins, and may be damaged with the use of the wrong cleansers. Once the finish is stripped, your furniture itself may be damaged.

Furniture using modified wood may be slightly more stable than solid wood furniture pieces, but all wood furniture should be cleaned and cared for the same way to avoid damage to the surface.

Clean your wood furniture frequently, either by dusting or with a deeper cleaning. This will help prevent dirt and debris from becoming ground into the finish, potentially ruining it. The amount of cleaning your furniture may need will depend on many factors, including amount of use, location, and your personal cleaning schedule. Clean Conscience, a cleaning company out of Denver recommends cleaning your furniture at least once a week to keep it in good condition.

Always clean your furniture with a soft, lint free cloth. Plain water or furniture polish is usually enough to clean the surface without damaging the finish. Buff the furniture by following the direction of the grain. Never use a dry cloth on your furniture, as this could potentially scratch the finish by pushing particles deeper into the wood.

Always use cleansers that are specifically made for wood. Avoid using anything with solvents, or an acid base such as vinegar or lemon juice, as this could remove the finish from the wood. If the finish does become damaged, contact a company that specializes in furniture restoration for assistance, do not attempt to strip the remaining finish or apply a new coat of stain over an existing finish, as this could potentially do more harm to the wood beneath.

Wooden handmade furniture is beautiful, durable, and will enhance any room you put it in. Make sure that you’re caring for it properly at all times to keep its finish and beauty for many years to come.

About the author: Matt Lee is the Founder of Lead Generation Experts. Founded in 2012, Lead Generation Experts helps businesses improve their digital marketing strategy.