Tips for Taking Care of Fine Wood Furniture

Now that you have purchased some fine wood furniture, it is important to take proper care of it. With some basic care, your fine furniture can last for years, and stay just as beautiful as the day you bought it. Below are some tips on taking proper care of wood furniture.

1. Wood Furniture Care

Proper care of wood furniture is essential if you want it to last. Keeping it out of direct sunlight will keep the wood finish from fading out.

Even though many pieces of new wood furniture come with finishes that are resistant to sunlight, it is still possible for them to fade if exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. You may wish to close the drapes or blinds in rooms containing this furniture during certain parts of the day to keep the direct sunlight off.

Keeping wood furniture dry is also essential. If the wood gets wet, it can cause the finish to peel or fade, and can actually warp the wood. Be sure to wipe up any spills as soon as you are able. Do not let them dry or you may end up with a permanent stain.

Protecting the tops of wood furniture is essential to avoid scratches and dings. Using a tablecloth on a wood table is a great idea if the table is used often. Besides accenting the look of your wood table, it will also protect the table surface. Never put hot pots or pans directly on a wood table top. Coasters, trivets, and hot pads can also be used to protect your table. Avoid using any type of cover that has a rubber or vinyl backing on it. These materials have chemicals in them that can permanently ruin the wood finish.

2. Wood Furniture Cleaning

Dust your wood furniture often to keep the surfaces shiny and bright. Always use a soft cloth to keep from scratching the wood. When dusting, always dust with the grain of the wood. If your furniture gets dirty, try cleaning it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. If this does not work, try using a mild soap and water solution on your cloth, and try it again. When done cleaning with soapy water, use a different cloth soaked in warm water (no soap) to remove the extra soap residue. When done, wipe down with a dry cloth to remove any extra moisture. Scratches and dings can sometimes be removed with furniture touch-up products that can be purchased at fine furniture stores, or at hardware stores. Try to avoid over polishing wood furniture. This can result in a wax build-up which will dull the shine of your wood.

3. Wood Furniture Storage

Wood is susceptible to damage from humidity. Thus, damage can occur if your furniture is stored in a place with too much humidity, or too little humidty. Basements are generally fairly damp, so if you plan on storing your fine furniture in the basement be sure to get a dehumidifier. You should also cover the furniture with cloths to prevent a build-up of dust.

Terry Weadock is the site manager for Furniture Complete, an online furniture retailer