When you have beautiful, natural wood furniture, you want to keep it looking as good as the day you got it! Our cleaning and care tips will help keep your furniture looking as beautiful as the day you brought it home.
How To Care For Your Natural Wood Furniture
Taking care of your natural wood furniture can be as simple as where you place it in your home, or using a coaster. While it is easy to care for, it is important to care for it properly to ensure a long lifespan and continued beauty.
Seal Your Furniture
Sealing your furniture is important not just to create a barrier against moisture. Sealants can also protect wood from scratching, warping, and cracking. It can even help reduce the effects of UV rays. A simple coat of sealant can help extend the life of your furniture by years!
Keep Out Of Sunlight
Sunlight is the enemy of wood furniture, even when kept inside! The color of natural wood can fade when exposed to too much direct sunlight. The heat can dry out the wood, leading to cracks, warping, or even melting the finish. Try to position wood furniture away from windows. If your furniture will be exposed to a lot of sunlight, seal it first to provide some protection.
Use Trivets
Placing hot dishes directly on wood can cause burn marks, scorch marks, or stains. Heat can also melt the finish of your furniture. It is important to always use a trivet or even an oven mitt before putting hot dishes down to protect your wood furniture.
Use Coasters
No one wants to see unsightly water rings on their beautiful wood furniture. Be sure to use coasters, and if you see any standing water, wipe it up immediately. Choose coasters with soft, non-abrasive bottoms to avoid scratching the wood.
Manage Humidity
Humidity is the enemy of wood furniture, with the ideal humidity range between 40 and 45 percent. In some areas, you may need to run a humidifier in the winter to combat the dry air, which prevents the wood from drying out and shrinking. Likewise, some climates may need a dehumidifier in the summer to avoid too much moisture, and to keep the wood from swelling and warping. Avoid using wood furniture in humid basements – unless you use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels under control.
Lift, Don’t Drag
When picking up an item from your table, always lift – don’t drag it! This will help avoid scratching or gouging the wood. Even something light and small, like a coaster, can damage wood if dragged across the furniture, especially if it doesn’t have a soft covering on the bottom.
How To Clean Your Natural Wood Furniture
Another important way to care for your furniture is to clean it properly. While it may be tempting to grab the closest thing at hand, the right care will keep your furniture looking wonderful for many years to come.
Clean With Soap & Water
Cleaning your natural wood furniture couldn’t be more simple! Use a mild dish soap and a damp, not dripping, washcloth or sponge. After gently cleaning your furniture, wipe it down with a clean, damp washcloth. Finally, dry the furniture with a dry washcloth.
Clean Spills Immediately
You never want to leave moisture sitting on your wood, nor do you want to allow the table to remain dirty or sticky. Clean spills promptly to avoid staining or cracking, and be sure to dry the wood afterward. You should never submerge your wood furniture in water, so remember if you do need to use water, stick to a damp cloth.
Polish
Polish helps protect the wood, as well as keeping the wood shiny and beautiful. After each cleaning, be sure to polish your furniture to help replace the polish that inevitably wore off. You can use an all-purpose cleaner if you need to remove stains before you apply a new coat of polish.
Dust Regularly
Dusting your furniture regularly prevents dirt and grit buildup. Be sure to use a soft, dry cloth or duster. Avoid paper towels, as they can lead to scratches on the furniture, especially when dry dusting.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia on your furniture. Cleaners that contain chlorine, as the ones mentioned do, can damage the finish on your furniture. Over time they will cause staining, discoloration, or even cracking!
Care For It Now, Love It For Life
Natural wood furniture offers many colors and ways to incorporate its elegance into your home, no matter your preferred decor style. With proper care and cleaning, you’ll be happy with your furniture for years to come.
North Castle Hardwoods Is Here To Help
At North Castle Hardwoods, we believe in providing quality, sustainable wood for all your project needs. We also look for the best products to keep your wood projects amazing, like this finishing wood wax, safe for everything from cutting boards to furniture.
We’re here to help, whether you want to take advantage of our expertise in providing wood to top Japanese furniture makers for the past 30 years, or you want to browse our articles on a variety of wood-related topics. If you have a question, please reach out to us today! Our experts are here to help you.
