Caring For Hardwood Furniture

Damage to your hardwood furniture can arise in many different ways from physical scratches and knocks to water and food stains, even damage through sunlight. There are many ways in which to care for the hardwood furniture in your home and in this article we hope to provide you with a number of ways in which to keep your furniture looking its best.

Moisture – The most frequent cause of damage to hardwood furniture is from moisture in the air. More specifically it is changes in the relative humidity of the room in which furniture is stored which causes the damage. As the humidity rises, the grain of the wood expands. If the rise in humidity is too quick, the wood can expand too quickly causing joints to become loose and cracks to appear. Try to keep your home at a near constant temperature to keep the humidity consistent.

Sunlight is another major cause of damage to furniture. The sunlight can cause finishes to crack in a “crocodile skin” pattern and can bleach the wood underneath causing the colour to fade. This is especially noticeable on extending tables where the extensions are kept covered until required for use. Where practical, always keep your furniture out of direct sunlight, using curtains or blinds if required. If you must keep your furniture in direct sunlight, be sure to rotate the piece that it may discolour evenly and refinish more often than normal.

Cleaning – Solid wood furniture should not be wet-cleaned. Water causes the grain of the wood to swell and can stain or warp the timbers. Always dust using a clean, dry or very lightly dampened cloth (a few sprinkles of water will help dust stick to the cloth), following the grain of the wood in a gentle oval motion. Beware of using silicone based cleaning products such as Mr Sheen on bare, oiled or waxed furniture as this can cause the wood to dry out and can cause staining.

Re-finishing – Before re-finishing, make sure to check the original finish of the piece and where possible use the same product to re-finish. For a wax or oil finish, apply once every three to four months following the manufacturer’s instructions. A lacquered or varnished finish will need to be re-applied less frequently. If your furniture is new and has not yet been finished, be sure to apply your own choice of finish to protect the wood.

Moving Furniture – Be careful to lift items such as lamps or vases carefully rather than sliding them to avoid scratching the surface of your furniture. When moving a piece of furniture, again lift the item rather than sliding as this can cause damage to the floor and cause the legs of the item to chip or split. If a piece is particularly heavy, get someone to help lift it rather than dragging the item. Ensure drawers and shelves are not overloaded as this is a sure way to loose-fitting drawer fronts, doors and runners.

Hardwood furniture, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime and is a major investment in any home. Hopefully this article has provided you with the knowledge to properly care for your furniture. If you have any doubts about caring for your hardwood furniture, be sure to consult a professional, many of which advertise in your local telephone directory and online.

The author, James writes regularly for furniture sites such as Walnut Veneer Furniture. James is crazy about DIY, interior design and furniture and also writes regularly for great sites like Jali Furniture amongst others.

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