How to Care for Your Treasured Wood Furniture
Take note of these tips to protect your wood furniture from the elements and everyday mishaps
Leslie Reichert
February 14, 2018
Houzz Contributor. Cleaning expert that teaches and encourages people to use greener methods to clean their home. I have books, magazines, and a TV series to show you how to live a cleaner, greener lifestyle. For more cleaning tips go to www.greencleaningcoach.com
Houzz Contributor. Cleaning expert that teaches and encourages people to use greener... More
Whether it’s an antique rocking chair you got from your great-grandmother or a brand-new sleigh bed, you probably want it to last a long time and look beautiful despite the years. Here’s how to protect your wood pieces.
Things to Avoid With Wood
Sunlight. Sun pouring in through a window can be very damaging to wood furniture. Avoid placing pieces in direct sunlight, which over time can change the color of the wood and stain. If it’s necessary to place a piece of wood furniture in front of a window, consider adding blackout shades or curtains to protect it.
Sunlight. Sun pouring in through a window can be very damaging to wood furniture. Avoid placing pieces in direct sunlight, which over time can change the color of the wood and stain. If it’s necessary to place a piece of wood furniture in front of a window, consider adding blackout shades or curtains to protect it.
Heating vents. Likewise, avoid putting wood furniture next to or over a heating vent. The direct heat can damage the finish and dry out the wood. Instead, if possible, place furniture closer to the center of the room.
Humidity. Heat isn’t the only thing that can damage wood. Changes in humidity levels can ruin a beautiful piece of furniture. Try to keep interior humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent. When they get above 70 percent, wood furniture can warp and its finish can crack and chip.
Water. Everyday life can be tough on wood furniture. Drinking glasses can sweat, leaving behind rings that can permanently damage the finish. Make sure every wood table has plenty of coasters.
Cleaning tip: As much as you try to avoid them, water rings can still happen. To remove one, try rubbing some mayonnaise on the area until the ring fades away.
Cleaning tip: As much as you try to avoid them, water rings can still happen. To remove one, try rubbing some mayonnaise on the area until the ring fades away.
How to Protect Wood
Potted plants. Potted plants are beautiful in your home, but they can do extreme damage to a wood surface. After watering plants, check to make sure the container didn’t leak or transfer moisture to the wood table or floor. Add a second layer of protection underneath the pot, such as a plastic or glass tray, to ensure against water damage.
Potted plants. Potted plants are beautiful in your home, but they can do extreme damage to a wood surface. After watering plants, check to make sure the container didn’t leak or transfer moisture to the wood table or floor. Add a second layer of protection underneath the pot, such as a plastic or glass tray, to ensure against water damage.
Tablecloths. Wood tabletops take a beating. Using a tablecloth is a simple way to protect the surface from marks, scratches and stains. A tablecloth is generally much less expensive to replace than a table.
Polishing and oiling. Depending on the finish of your furniture, you may need to polish it only once or twice a year. Instead of using a commercial polish, you may want to try a natural wood oil to add moisture.
Cleaning tip: When cleaning or polishing, always work by rubbing with the grain of the wood.
Find furniture polish
Cleaning tip: When cleaning or polishing, always work by rubbing with the grain of the wood.
Find furniture polish
Dust buster. Dust and dust often. It seems strange to think that dust sitting on a flat surface can damage a piece of wood, but the dust can mix with humidity in the air and latch onto the surface. This can ruin the finish on the furniture.
Cleaning tip: Dust and dirt can scratch wood once they’re inside a dry cloth. Instead, use a damp cloth that will pick up the dust and hold it inside the fibers so it doesn’t scratch. The rag should be damp, not soaking wet.
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Cleaning tip: Dust and dirt can scratch wood once they’re inside a dry cloth. Instead, use a damp cloth that will pick up the dust and hold it inside the fibers so it doesn’t scratch. The rag should be damp, not soaking wet.
More
How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free
How to Clean Your Fireplace Surround
Browse wood furniture in the Shop section
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@sabsteve: same thing with high humidity or heat or cold. Maintenance is the key. Depending on the finish of the wood which you should know - keep it cleaned, polished or waxed or oiled. All those will keep your wood cabinets and furniture and walls looking good for years.
And if you don't know how to take care of that chair or table, the manufacturer will tell you. One more good reason to save owner's manuals. :)
BTW, leather such as leather couches, chairs, headboards - also require maintenance if you want to keep it. I have a handmade rocker done with mortise and tenon. All I do is dust it. I use a soft cloth I dipped in a weak solution of castile & water, then rung out to get built up grime & grease off. If it's bad grime, I'll use Murphy's Oil soap. Grease comes from humans! Then I take a clean cloth with water only and wipe it down again. Then I dry it. Never let water stay on unpolished wood and don't soak the wood. Then I use a clean cloth with old plain English oil and it's good to go for another 6 months to a year. The chair is about a half century old and still looks new and in great shape. Once in a while I'll apply a good furniture wax as a finish. I don't use lacquer as nothing will penetrate it.
Great info! I needed to know it!
Thanks for all the info. I can use it!