As kids, we took the old furniture we grew up with for granted. It’s been in the family since before our time, and it smelled weird. Years later, we inherit these pieces we have since developed a nostalgic love for.
They were welcome additions to our furniture collection—all of the pieces we personally picked.
Now, we are fond of them all. We want them to stay in the family, remain in solid condition, and live forever if possible. There are things you can do to ensure that they are protected for a long time…
Things You Can Do To Protect Your Wood Furniture
It’s always best to keep your wood pieces out of the sun. Even if it’s just sunlight beaming through the window, its contact with, say, wooden kitchen cabinets can have a damaging effect. We’ve all seen colors fade on signs left in storefront windows for too long.
The same thing can happen, and the hue of the stained wood can also be adversely affected. If there is no way around having furniture in the path of the light, consider curtains or even covering the wood itself.
Sadly, even heating vents, which we love because they keep us warm, can damage wood. This is especially true if the pieces sit over or right next to the vent.
The heat will affect the finish and dry out the wood, so you’d do better to keep your furniture as far from any heating vent as possible. Interestingly, natural humidity can also wreak havoc on our beloved items.
Ideally, keep the furniture you wish to preserve in a room with a consistent humidity level between forty and sixty percent. Once it reaches seventy percent or beyond, the wood is vulnerable and prone to warping, cracking, and chipping.
Running an air conditioner or keeping your windows open are two ways of reducing humidity.
Obviously, there’s always a threat of water damage. How often have we seen a ring left from the condensation of a drinking glass? Coasters are a must; otherwise, you risk permanent damage to the finish.
Also, keep your kitchen hood running or have windows open when cooking. Even the steam can affect your kitchen cabinets.
This really is the truth of the matter—you’ll never be able to protect your treasures fully. There are everyday factors in life that are unexpected but common.
In the case of water rings, an old home remedy may have a positive reverse effect. Simply rub mayonnaise on the affected area, and the ring should disappear.
You may even have issues with potted plants. Sure, they add a universally appreciated element of beauty to any home, but they can also cause extreme damage to wood surfaces.
Be certain to check for water leaks after watering your plants on wooden surfaces. To avoid the transfer of moisture, you may even put additional layers of protection under the pot. A plastic or glass tray works perfectly and protects against water damage.
Wood tabletops endure much. In many homes, they are used every day. That’s why having a tablecloth is so important. It guards against scratches, stains, and random marks.
Buying one is far more affordable than replacing a table! Have a few tablecloths on hand. They are available in styles that will fit any occasion or motif.
Then, there are the practical care habits you hopefully already implement, such as polishing and oiling. If your wood furniture has a particularly high-quality finish, you may only need to polish it once or twice a year.
Don’t opt for commercial polish. Natural wood oil is better, and it successfully penetrates the surface and adds oil within, making it healthier. Be mindful when cleaning and polishing with a cloth to rub with the grain of the wood.
You can’t dust enough. You know it just from observing your own home. Everything gets dusty prematurely.
At least, that’s how it seems. Those molding ledges are filthy! Didn’t we just dust them?
Time has a way of sneaking by, and you must be proactive about dusting. It may seem unlikely that damage could occur just because the wood sits under a dust layer.
However, the problem really occurs when the dust is affected by humidity in the air, causing it to stick to the surface and ruin the furniture’s finish.
There is an answer to the stuck-on-dust scenario, however. Since particularly thick particles may scratch the wood when caught on the surface of a dry cloth, use a damp (not completely wet) one instead.
That will remove that adhered dust while flattening it so it won’t be abrasive to the surface.
A final note: If some of your aged furniture qualifies as antiques, you may want to check with a professional before adding any modern polish and cleaner.
They could be worth money in their original state, so you probably want to know whether or not to leave the surface of your antique wood furniture untouched. I hope you find these home improvement ideas helpful in protecting the wood items in your home.
