Caring for your Wood Furniture

Five easy tips to keep your wood furniture looking great!

All good things require care, and that is particularly true with natural materials such as the wood that composes your beautiful furniture. Because it is an organic, natural material, wood will change character and gain patina over time as it is effected by light, humidity, and daily use. That is why two pieces of furniture in the same wood and ostensibly the same finish will frequently convey a different hue if one is older.

Be sure to follow specific manufacturers’ instructions for caring for your furniture and its particular finish. Here are a few general tips to help keep your wood furniture in top condition and looking great:

1. Moisture is your wood furniture’s worst enemy. Always wipe up spills as quickly as possible. When cleaning, use water sparingly, preferably with a little dish soap on a slightly damp cloth, and always wipe up afterward with a dry cloth. Seasonal humidity changes can cause changes in wood, especially solid wood. Dehumidifiers help combat summer's increased humidity.

2. Always protect your tabletops from heat by elevating hot food or candles on trivets. Also, you will want to keep wet, colored objects off your tables as the colors will bleed into the wood. Heavy or sharp objects that can cause scratches should not be in direct contact with the top surface.

3. Avoid placing your wood furniture close to heat sources such as heaters or radiators, which can cause warping or marks.

4. For stubborn scuff marks on chair and table legs, try benzine, but be sure to provide good ventilation.

5. Try the mildest cleaning agent first, and never use abrasives such a scouring powder.

If you do wind up with a white water mark on your wood, do not despair. There is an easy remedy that will solve most such cases. Spread about two tablespoons of mayonnaise on a paper towel, and press the towel lightly onto the water mark, leaving it there for about 15 minutes. If the mark remains, rub more mayo into it again and check it later. The stain should disappear, but if not, consult a furniture or antiques expert.

Next time you are in our store, ask for a copy of our ForceField Protection Plan brochure for more information on taking care of your wood furniture. You can also purchase ForceField Restor-it Cream Furniture Polish for Fine Wood Furnishings in our stores. It replenishes the natural oils and adds luster to all fine wood surfaces.