How to Care for Wood Furniture  

Although the information contained on this page applies to wood furniture, keep in mind that most wood furniture pieces contain components of other materials, such as brass, plastic, leather and fabric. The composition of a single piece of wood furniture may include a variety of materials, including several species of solid wood, veneers and laminates. Finishes vary widely and may include elements of stain, paint and resins.

Wood furniture often contains non-wood components that require different methods of care and respond to different cleaning agents. You’ll want to consider all of the materials in your wood furniture for proper overall care.

In addition to accidental stains and scratches, wood furniture is susceptible to environmental factors, such as light, humidity and dust.

10 Tips to Prevent Damage to Your Wood Furniture

Here are some tips you can use to provide a better environment for your furniture:

1. Changes in relative humidity can be damaging. The ideal range of home temperature for wood furniture is 70 to 72 degrees with relative between 40 and 60 percent. In relative humidity above 70%, furniture and finishes can crack when the humidity level drops suddenly.

2. No amount of furniture oil will prevent wood furniture from drying out if relative humidity stays below 30%.

3. Air conditioner use in the summer and humidifier use in heated homes during the winter can be great tools to prevent damage to your furniture.

4. Keep table leaves near the table to which they belong when not in use. That way, they'll expand and contract at the same rate as the table so you won't have a problem sliding them back into the piece.

5. Keep wood furniture away from heat vents, radiators and fireplaces. This will keep your furniture from drying out.

6. It's better to store furniture in an unheated space since humidity will not vary as much at lower temperature.

7. Keep products containing alcohol and harsh chemicals away from your furniture™s finish. This includes colognes, perfumes and nail polish remover.

8. Remove dust frequently. Dust is abrasive and can accumulate in the carvings and in any cracks in your furniture. It never gets easier to remove as it gets heavier.

8. Lift furniture instead of sliding it when moving or rearranging the room. If you lift furniture instead of pushing it laterally, you'll avoid damage to the joints, especially at the legs. Lift tables by their apron or legs and chairs by their seat rails and not by their arms or crest (top back) rail.

10. Transport wood furniture on its back or top rather than its legs. Carefully detach marble tops and transport or store them on their edge, as you would a mirror or glass table top.

Dusting Your Furniture

Excessive accumulations of dust can result in excess wear and may dull beautiful finish on your wood furniture. For new furniture, always follow any care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Save any instructions not permanently attached to the furniture in a file folder for future reference.

Paste wax is best, liquid wax is not as thick as a paste wax, so it doesn't provide the same level of protection. A thin coat of paste wax once or twice a year and weekly dry dustings will go a long way in keeping your furniture in top condition. Always follow the manufacturers€™s directions and precautionary measures listed on any paste or liquid furniture wax you purchase. Aerosol furniture sprays are not the ideal way to care for your furniture. Most commercial furniture sprays and polishes contain silicone oil, which can make refinishing more difficult later. They also tend to smear and attract dust.

Dusting Tips

1. Don't use a feather duster. Mainly because feather dusters can't be cleaned, but also because quills can become exposed and scratch your furniture.

2. Use a clean soft cloth for dusting. An old (but clean) cotton T-shirt or chamois is perfect ideal. Frayed cloths can get caught on the wood and damage your furniture. An artist’s brush or natural bristle paint brush is excellent for dusting inside carved areas and tight spaces.

3. Clean dusting cloths/brushes right after you use them. That way they'll be ready to go next time you need to dust and you won't take a shortcut and use an already dirty dust cloth.

4. If you use any water at all, use it sparingly. Too much water during dusting can warp the wood or make it swell. A few drops sprinkled on your dust cloth should be plenty. You might want to use distilled water if you use any water at all while dusting antiques, to avoid water spots.

5. Dust in the direction of the grain of the wood in an oval pattern. Don't continue using a dirty cloth. Turn it over or find a clean replacement.

6. Lift lamps instead of sliding them to prevent from scratching your furniture.

Light and Wood Furniture

The ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the finish of wood furniture and may bleach the wood. Additionally, prolonged exposure to direct sun can cause the finish to crack or yellow. Here are some tips to protect your furniture from sun damage:

1. Use window coverings, like shades, draperies or blinds during sunny times of the day.

2. You might also consider window film or tinting to filter harmful UV rays.

3. Move your furniture within the room from time to time. This not only provides a change of pace, it can keep the same piece of furniture from sitting in direct sunlight every day. Also move lamps and other objects on table tops occasionally.

4. Consider covering your furniture with sheets or blankets when you are going to be away for extended time periods. You should avoid plastics since they can trap moisture and cause more damage than they prevent.

Taking care of your wood furniture involves preventing damage, using common sense and performing occasional maintenance. The payoff is that your furniture will last longer and future generations can enjoy your beautiful wood furniture for may years to come. You'll also need to replace your furniture less often and save money in the long run.

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