Good solid wood furniture, when taken care of properly, can be passed down through generations. Whether you have inherited a family heirloom or have recently purchased one to become a family heirloom, you need to properly care for it so that it does last. Here are some of the best tips we have to help you care for your wooden furniture.
Start Gently
Wood furniture (unless the wood is unfinished, and if it is you get to get it finished to protect it) will have a finish on it. If the finish gets damaged, it can be a pain to fix. Always start as gently as possible when cleaning to avoid causing any damage.
Do It All on a Schedule
1. Dusting
The best tip for dusting furniture is to dampen a microfiber cloth rag so the dust stays on the rag and doesn’t go up into the air, only to float back down onto the furniture once again. It is counterproductive. If your wood furniture has any fabric upholstery, vacuum it from time to time to get rid of the dust that can hide in the fabric. You can also use a feather duster. Always dust before any other step.
2. Cleaning
Despite the name, don’t use all-purpose cleaners. Soap and water aren’t the best options either unless something sticky has spilled. For sticky spots, use soap and water to remove the sticky spot, and then dry it. Use cleaners specifically designed for cleaning wood—they will be clearly marked.
3. Waxing
Wax protects the surface and helps prevent minor scratches. There are different types of furniture wax. Paste wax is thicker and lasts longer, but liquid wax is easier to apply. Make sure you get a wax that is specifically made for wood furniture and follow the directions on what you buy.
4. Polish
This is mainly done on any non-wooden metal thing on the furniture, whether it is a hinge or knob or other types of hardware. Polishing keeps them from becoming cloudy or discolored.
Caring for Older Wooden Furniture
Maybe you inherited a piece that has been sitting in an attic for years or found a piece at a yard sale. Wood furniture that is beaten up can usually be restored to its former glory with some effort. You may need to sand the wood to remove or reduce deeps dents or scratches. Old paint or stain may need to be removed and newly applied. Using an orange oil product or some other oil product like the infamous Murphy’s Oil Soap can help prevent the wood from cracking or splintering over time. If there is mold, vacuum it to get the mold spores away, wash with soap and water, dry with a clean microfiber cloth, and apply wax. If it has an odd smell, you can put it in the sun to air out before restoring it. If there are draws that stick, rubbing a candle or using zipper wax on the drawer track can really help. There are wood furniture scratch repair kits you can get at almost any home repair store.
A Note About Wood Flooring
If your furniture is on a wooden floor, you can get felt pads to place on the bottom of the furniture legs to help protect both the furniture and your floor if you ever happen to move the furniture.
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If you follow these tips, your wood furniture can be a lasting part of your family that can be passed down.
Check out what our impressive selection of quality furniture can do for you! And if you have any questions, reach out to our experts. We are always happy to help.