Furniture is a big investment. Not only do you have to fork out a lot of money for a decent piece, but you also have to maintain it if you want it to last. Wooden furniture is lovely, but it needs a bit of special care if you don’t want it to warp, crack, or discolor.
Below are a few essential tips for keeping your wooden furniture looking like new. Read on and take notes, because there’s no point in spending all that money on something if you’re not going to take care of it!
Benefits of Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture has a lot of benefits over other types of furniture. It’s strong and durable, and it can last for many years with the right care. Wooden furniture also has a natural look and feel that other materials can’t replicate.
But with great benefits come great responsibilities. If you want your wooden furniture to last for years to come, you need to take care of it properly. Here are some essential tips for keeping your wooden furniture looking like new:
-Clean it regularly with a dust cloth.
-Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
-Don’t place wet items on the furniture.
-If the furniture is stained, use a gentle cleaner rather than harsh chemicals.
Different Types of Wood Furniture
There are all sorts of woods used in furniture-making, and each requires a different level of care:
-Solid wood furniture is made from a single piece of lumber and is the most durable type. It can be stained or painted any color you like, and it’s easy to keep clean with a damp cloth.
-Veneer furniture is made from a thin layer of wood that’s glued to a core of cheaper materials, such as particleboard. This type of furniture is less expensive than solid wood, but it’s not as durable and it’s more prone to scratching and staining.
-Laminate furniture is made from several layers of paper that are glued together and covered with a plastic finish. This type of furniture is the least expensive, but it’s also the most prone to damage.
To keep your wooden furniture looking its best, you need to use the right cleaning products and techniques for the type of wood it’s made from.
How to Clean and Dust Wooden Furniture
Regular cleaning and dusting of your wooden furniture is key to keeping it looking like new. Here are a few tips to help you get the job done:
– Use a dust cloth to wipe down your furniture regularly. This will remove any dirt, dust or other particles that may have settled on the surface.
– If there is any sticky residue or spillage on your furniture, use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Be sure to dry the furniture afterwards with a dry cloth.
– If your furniture has any scratches or dents, you can use a wood polish to help cover them up. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
Protecting Wooden Furniture From Sun Damage
When it comes to keeping your wooden furniture good as new, one of the most important things you can do is protect it from sun damage. Sunlight can have a huge impact on your furniture, fading its color and even causing it to warp and crack.
One way to protect your pieces from UV radiation is to use window treatments like curtains, shades or blinds. You could also keep an indoor cover handy for when its exposed to sunlight during the day. And if you’re working on an outdoor project, make sure to use a finishing product with a good UV inhibitor.
That said, it’s also important to rearrange your furniture every now and then in order to prevent any uneven fading or discoloring. So remember that when you’re trying to keep your wooden furniture looking like new!
How to Make Certain Repairs to Furniture With Wood Finish
There are some repair jobs you can do yourself, and others you may need to leave to the professionals. One that a lot of people worry about is restoring furniture with wood finish.
If there are minor scratches or blemishes, you can simply use a pencil-shaped furniture touch-up marker to fill them in. Matching the color can be tricky though, so if you want to make sure it looks perfect you might want to bring in an expert.
For more substantial damage, like cracks or water marks, these might require some added attention. If the damage is completely on the surface, like a watermark, try using a wood polishing compound specifically designed for furniture surfaces.
Finally, if the damage is deep enough to cause splitting or cracking in the wood itself, it’s best to take your furniture in for professional repair as this type of repair is more complex than just using a polish or marker.
Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Wooden Furniture
When caring for your wooden furniture, there are some mistakes you should avoid making. First and foremost, never use abrasive cleaners, as this can strip away the finish of the wood. This goes for any type of cleaning solution, whether it’s a commercial product or something you make at home.
Be careful when you are moving furniture around as well, as this can cause dents and scratches in the wood. The best thing to do is to use a rag or a blanket to cover the furniture before moving it.
Also, make sure not to leave wooden furniture exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this can cause it to fade and dry out. Keep it away from windows and heat sources like radiators if possible; even air vents can have an effect on your furniture over time if they are blowing directly on it.
Finally, don’t forget to dust your wooden pieces regularly with a soft cloth so that dirt doesn’t accumulate in the grain of the wood, that would be pretty hard to get out!
Conclusion
Wooden furniture is a beautiful addition to any home, but it’s important to take care of it properly in order to keep it looking like new for years to come. Here are a few essential tips for keeping your wooden furniture looking its best:
1. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and a mild detergent.
2. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish on the wood.
3. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat, as both can cause the wood to warp or crack.
4. Don’t place heavy objects on top of the furniture, as this can damage the wood.
5. Use a furniture polish occasionally to keep the wood looking shiny and new.
6. Inspect the furniture for any damage regularly and repair it as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can keep your wooden furniture looking beautiful for years to come.
