Many years ago, wood was the most used material for making furniture. Nowadays, there are a lot of materials used to make furniture for both residential and commercial spaces. However, wood is still used and is a favorite to many, due to its natural look and durability.

Wood requires more care than most materials to last long and also maintain its good appearance. No matter what wood quality your wooden furniture is made of, they are susceptible to scratches, wear, and tear among other things that reduce its lifespan and interfere with its natural look. Here are some of the care and maintenance tips for wood furniture.

Dust Regularly

Damage by dust is one of the reasons why wooden furniture needs more care. Too much dust may settle on the wooden furniture, which not only interferes with its appearance but also causes scratches. That’s why you need to wipe off the dust from it regularly using a soft cloth. Dust is not only bad for wood; it might also cause health issues when a person is exposed to it for long.

Clean Them Using Soap and Water

Dusting wooden furniture is not enough. You need to clean them using soap and water from time to time. Be sure to wipe the water after cleaning, as leaving it on the wood’s surface for too long can cause damage. Cleaning wood gets rid of dust, stains, and retains its natural finish.

Avoid using cleaners you are not sure of as they may interfere with the quality of the wood. Also, don’t use a rough cloth to scrub the furniture as it may cause scratches.

Avoid Exposure to Too Much Heat

Damage by heat is another reason why wooden furniture needs more care. Very high temperatures damage wood by making them fade, shrink, and even dry.

Heat from the sun should also be avoided as it can cause spotting, which refers to the dark and bright spots that form on the surface of wood.

Also, avoid placing very hot objects on wooden furniture as they may distort the wood’s texture.

Oil And Wax Them Frequently

Oiling and waxing are also some of the most crucial care and maintenance tips for wood furniture. If wood has become extremely dry, clean it and apply furniture oil on it, and allow it to soak for some minutes. Oiling prevents cracking and warping caused by too much dryness.

Waxing is also necessary for furniture with a wax coating. To wax, clean the surface, apply a layer of wax then wipe the excess until the wood feels smooth.

Keep Away Sharp Objects from Them

Keeping sharp objects away from your wooden furniture is another important but often overlooked wooden furniture care tip. Sharp objects tend to cause a lot of damage when not handled appropriately, even on wooden surfaces. These objects may cause scratches on the furniture, no matter which finish it has. Always keep these objects away and when they are in use, handle them carefully.

Store Them with Care

If your furniture doesn’t have any use now, you can store it for future purposes. Many people go wrong in storing their furniture, which leads to damage. Damage by moisture is also another reason why wooden furniture needs more care. For example, if you store wooden furniture in a very humid area, it absorbs moisture, then swells. Too little humidity is not good too, as it causes moisture loss and shrinking.

Also, if you put the furniture in a very dusty area, their surface will be tampered with.

Keep An Eye on Bugs

Keeping an eye on bugs is one of the most crucial care and maintenance tips for wood furniture. Some of the bugs that damage wooden objects include termites, wood beetles, and carpenter ants. It’s always good to watch for signs of these bugs such as holes in wood or sawdust piles next to furniture. If you notice any bugs, look for ways of getting rid of them before they cause massive damage.

However, preventing the bugs from getting into the wood is always the best option. Do this by protecting the wood from moisture, and getting regular chemical treatments from professionals.

Wooden furniture has the ability to last long and maintain its original appearance, but only when handled properly. You might have furniture made of the best quality of wood but if you don’t take good care of them, you reduce their lifespan to a large extent. Taking care of them also eliminates the need for frequent repairs