a. Minimal light exposure
Make sure your wooden furniture is kept away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to light can create spotting or discolouration in the wooden piece. Light can damage most components of furniture: coatings, whether transparent or polychrome; the wood itself; and especially upholstery textiles. This damage is cumulative and permanent. To reduce this damage, make sure the furniture is kept in a dark place when not in use, or covered with a cloth, curtains, and so on.
b. Check the heat
A huge environmental damage to wood comes from swings of relative humidity. Humidity causes wood to expand and shrink. This
pressure can result in furniture becoming distorted, not fitting together orbreaking. Avoid using hot and cold objects on wooden furniture for better maintenance. They tend to leave an impression that may distort the original texture of the surface. Hot items such as irons or coffee mugs can melt the coating away and water spillings on wood deface the coatings. Simple solutions like using coasters, table cloth and writing pads can avoid damage.
c. Dust well
Dust can cause deposits that eventually build up in a filmy layer and scratch the surface of wood furniture. Leaving dust on your furniture can also trigger allergies. To effectively dust off a wooden piece, choose a cloth that the dust will cling on to, rather than just spew it into the air. Dampen the cloth slightly so the dust sticks on it and then wipe with a dry cloth to avoid any moisture from seeping into the furniture. Soft, cotton cloths and feather dusters effectively remove dust from wood furniture.
d. Cleaning and Oiling
Do not clean your wooden furniture with water or all-purpose cleaning sprays, unless it has a plastic coating. Water can be used for some sticky spots but must be wiped immediately after with a dry cloth. Oil polishes, cleaners, and furniture oils protect wood by making the surface more slippery. Oilnig gives a shiny varnish to the furniture thereby enlivening its appearance. Make sure not to use too much product as this can cause buildup that can combine with dirt to create a dull, sticky film.
e. Rewax as needed
Wax provides a hard finish, reduces scratches and is more durable than polishes. Apply a layer of wax and spread it using light pressure. Don't let the wax sit for over 20 minutes. Eliminate the extra wax with a clean Scotch Brite pad, and buff with a delicate fabric until the surface feels smooth to the touch.
f. Fresh Smell
Older pieces of wooden furniture can develop an unpleasant odor especially if they were stored. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface to freshen it up. You can also place a bowl of charcoal inside the drawers to absorb bad smell. Place the furniture outside in a warm dry area for a day, to give relief to the stench.
The techniques of cleaning and deep cleaning for every wooden piece depends on the finish of the piece. Always seek out specific care and cleaning guidelines when purchasing new or old furnishings. Taking care of your wooden furniture is not a very time consuming affair but is rewarding in the long term as it leaves you with a piece that looks as new as the day you got it.
Maintaining Wooden Furniture
10.11.2020
Uncategorised