Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is a popular commodity to help improve the overall look of a room. It is desirable for its timeless warm look and durability, although it can be damaged if not taken care of properly. There are specialty cleaning products available that will help keep the wood looking new for years; regardless if the furniture is painted, oiled, or polished. If you do not want to purchase these products, you can use common household items to ensure your wood furniture remains in tip top shape.

How To

Before you begin, gather as much product information as you can about your wood furniture. If you have old wood furniture, or you are not sure about the type of wood or the treatment required for the wood, you should take a small piece of furniture, like a chair, to an expert at a furniture store. This is important, because using the wrong product can destroy your furniture. You should wipe down oiled wood furniture each day with a soft cloth to get rid of any dust. If you see oiled wood with white spots, remove them with a bit of toothpaste. To make homemade furniture oil, you can mix turpentine and linseed oil in equal parts. Make sure to mix these ingredients thoroughly before applying with a soft cloth. Doing this a couple of times a year should help restore the wood’s natural luster. You can also vacuum painted wood furniture each day using the brush attachment, or gently wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth. If you notice smudges or fingerprints, you can remove them with a damp sponge, although be sure to wring out the sponge since excess moisture can stain or warp the wood. Lastly, you can use furniture polish, aerosol or paste wax to clean wood furniture that is polished. For scratches, apply paste wax a few times a year. The liquid furniture polish only needs to be applied 3-4 times annually.

Tips & Takeaways

Make sure you properly care for your wood furniture. This goes beyond cleaning. Wood furniture that is exposed to heat, sunlight, or cold for a prolonged period of time can fade or crack. If you have patio furniture made of wood, bring it inside during the winter. If you educate yourself about the necessary care wood furniture requires, you can enjoy it for a lifetime. There are some specialty woods, like wicker, bamboo, and rattan that require moisture to be applied to prevent fraying and cracking. You will want to occasionally spray this wood with water to make sure it gets the amount of moisture required. Be sure to put on cotton gloves before you work on your wood furniture to prevent leaving fingerprints. If you are working with turpentine, you will want to wear rubber gloves to avoid contact with the skin. Turpentine poisoning can occur if any of it is ingested, so make sure you are careful if you are working and there are young children around. It is also very flammable, so do not use it near an open flame, and make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated.