How to Properly Care for Your Wooden Furniture and Make them Last Generations
Furniture, if taken proper care of, can last a generation or more. Maintain yours in great condition by keeping it protected from common household mishaps. The following are some useful tips to keep your furniture looking at its prime.
- Ditch all cleaners that contain ammonia. Ammonia tends to damage wooden furniture.
- Dust frequently using a soft, clean and dry cloth
- The furniture polish you use should not contain too much of alcohol as this damages wood finishes.
- Protect your wooden furniture from hot serving dishes using natural fiber tablecloth. Alternatively, you can use trivet or oven mitt.
- In order to minimize water rings, use coasters with cork bottoms or felt.
- Do not let moisture get trapped between a wood surface and glass. Ensure that wood surfaces are totally dry before replacing the glass.
- Do not place your furniture in direct contact with sunlight as sunlight dries and fades wood surfaces.
- To protect your wooden furniture from being damaged by your pets, cover their surfaces with a natural fiber tablecloth, protective pad or chair cover.
Striking the Right Moisture/Dryness Balance
Excess dryness or moisture can be counterproductive to your furniture. When the furniture contains too much moisture, it may result in mildew. On the other hand, too much dryness is the number one cause for loss of natural luster as well as weakened joints. It is important that you strike the delicate balance between moisture level and dryness. This will ensure that your furniture looks nice for many years to come. Below are tips on how you can prevent dryness or moisture from damaging your wooden furniture.
- Avoid putting your wood furniture in laundry areas or steamy bathrooms, as these expose the furniture to excess moisture.
- Maintain a steady temperature in the home. Dramatic changes in temperature will have an effect on humidity levels and this will cause more moisture in the air.
- Avoid letting the environment of your home to be too dry. Too much dryness causes your furniture to not only shrink but also become split or brittle.
- Ensure that wood surfaces do not come into direct contact with water. Have a glass placed all over the table top. You may also use trivets, coasters as well as natural fiber tablecloths. These will protect your furniture from both moisture and dryness.
If you are interested in having a professional cleaning service come to help you take care of your wood furniture as well as the rest of your home, The Maids of Cape Cod would be happy to assist you.







