There’s no denying the beauty of wood furniture in a home. It can be used for tables, chairs, flooring, and more.
Wood furniture never goes out of style—unless that piece is damaged by water rings or heat marks. Those who are looking for maintenance-free furniture may want to choose another material; wood requires a bit of upkeep to maintain its character.
Whether your furniture is made of maple or oak, you want to protect it for as long as possible. Try out these tips to save your belongings from staining, fading, and cracking:
Don’t Place it in Direct Sunlight
You know that UV rays can damage your skin. But did you know the same thing can happen to your wood furniture?
Exposure to sunlight can fade the color of the wood. If the sun shines on a particular spot each day, you may end up with a permanently lightened streak on your table.
To protect your wood furniture from rays of sunlight, install blinds or curtains on your windows. Alternatively, store them away from light sources.
Apply Wax
Wax acts as a barrier between your furniture and potential hazards. A product like EcoPoxy creates a clear, gloss finish that will protect wood against spills and other mishaps. Simply brush it on and wait for it to dry. When it’s ready, your furniture will look completely refreshed.
Keep it Clean
It’s difficult to appreciate your furniture when it’s covered by a layer of dust. Eliminate the musty smell that can attach itself to furniture by cleaning your wood items often.
We think of dust as a soft material, but it can be quite abrasive. Dust makes it easier for a table to get scratched.
To remove dust, wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. Follow it up by cleaning it with a damp (but not drenched) soft cloth. Remove stains or sticky spots with a bit of pressure and soapy water. Remember to always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
When you’re cleaning wood, try to limit your use of chemicals. Products that aren’t designed to be used on wood may cause damage. Be sure to check the labels of any cleaning agents you use and make sure they’re compatible with wood. If you don’t have any wood-safe products, stick to dusting!
Do you notice that dust collects quickly in your home? If so, you may want to use an air purifier or replace the filters in your HVAC system.
Control Moisture Levels
A home with high humidity may cause wood floors or tables to swell, expand, and eventually crack. Avoid placing wood furniture in areas like:
- The bathroom
- The laundry room
- The kitchen
If you do have wood items in these rooms, try to find ways to manage the humidity. Moisture levels that fluctuate throughout the year may cause damage. Keeping the levels consistent will prevent wood from expanding or shrinking. You can use a dehumidifier/humidifier in rooms with wood furniture, depending on the time of year.
Use Coasters
Have you ever placed a hot dish on a table and watched, in dismay, as a heat mark appeared? These cloudy rings damage the appearance of wood tables. Use trivets to protect the wood against extreme temperatures.
Glasses may leave water rings on the table. Place any cups on coasters to collect drops of liquid and prevent moisture damage.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
The moment that you accidentally knock over a water glass, grab a stack of paper or cloth towels and wipe it up! If water is left to sit on your furniture, the wood will quickly absorb it and become warped. To give your furniture an extra layer of defense, use a tablecloth during meals.
When wood furniture is well taken care of, it can last for many years. You may even end up passing it down to another family member—as long as it’s in good shape. Help your wood furniture stand the test of time by protecting it with the above tips.
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