Solid wood furniture is a beautiful and durable addition to any home, but it requires proper care to maintain its natural beauty. Here are our top tips for caring for solid wood furniture:
Dusting
Dust your furniture regularly with a soft cloth or a feather duster. This will help remove dirt and dust that can accumulate on the surface of the wood.
Cleaning
Use a damp cloth to clean your furniture, but be sure to wring out the cloth, so it is not too wet. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the wood, as they can damage the finish.
Stains
If your furniture gets stained, try to clean it up as soon as possible. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the stain, and then dry the area with a clean cloth. If the stain is not removed, consult a professional.
Minor Scratches and Dents
For a quick touch-up, you can match a marker, shoe polish, or a furniture pen colour to the finish of your furniture. Simply rub it into the affected area and your blemish will be less noticeable or barely noticeable at all.
Humidity
Remember that wood can expand or contract depending on your home’s humidity levels! This is because furniture is made from wood that is carefully dried in order to have it retain just enough moisture to adapt to the relative humidity of your home.
Similar to how our skin functions, wood “breathes,” meaning that it will lose moisture in a dry climate (leading it to contract slightly) and gain moisture in a humid climate (leading it to expand slightly). Good craftsmanship prevents this from affecting the quality and durability of the furniture.
Sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade and dry out the wood, so try to keep your furniture away from windows that receive direct sunlight. If this is not possible, use curtains or blinds to protect your furniture from the sun every so often.
Prevention
Keep furniture away from sources of humidity, such as radiators and air conditioning units, and try to keep the humidity levels in your home as consistent as possible.
Using felt pads, coasters, placemats, or tablecloths is a great way to protect your furniture from scratches and stains.
Avoid allowing plastic, nylon, or rubber materials to remain in contact with your wood surface. This includes the feet on computers, alarm clocks, and other electronics. These items can cause an adverse reaction to your wood finish over time.
When it comes to tables with leaves, try to store the leaves as close to the table as possible, so they’re both adjusting to the same level of humidity (as opposed to leaving the leaves in a potentially damp basement while the table stays in your dining room)
By following these tips, you can help to maintain the natural beauty of your solid wood furniture for years to come!
If you have any tips on caring for solid wood furniture, please share in the comments below.