Always try and protect your furniture investment and the pieces will serve and last a lifetime. Proper care and some simple maintenance can help keep your furniture’s finish. Protection can ensure that your furniture looks great for years to come.
Caring for Your Real Wood Furniture
Caring for furniture is easy. Following a few simple guidelines will help extend the life of your fine furniture.
- Always dust with a furniture polish moistened cloth. Polish with moistened cloth, eliminating the scratching that occurs with dry dusting. Dust will scratch the furniture surface if not removed properly.
- Use a soft, clean cloth that won’t scratch the surface. Avoid coarse or scratchy materials or fabrics.
- To clean stains or food spills, use a soft cloth moistened with a mixed solution of a teaspoon of powdered laundry detergent and a quart of quart water. Dry completely after cleaning.
Enemies that May Harm Your Furniture
Many common problems in furniture care are caused by the elements. If you are aware of these trouble makers, the resulting damage can easily be avoided.
- Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays can damage wood finishes. Arrange furniture out of direct sunlight; use sun screening drapes during intense sunlight hours; rotate furniture in place and in room arrangements.
- Liquid spills will damage furniture if not removed properly Use coasters under beverage glasses saucers under cups and flower pots. If a spill occurs, immediately blot it gently without rubbing the surface.
- Heat creates a chemical change in furniture finish which can result in a white spot. Use protective pads under hot dishes, utensils or cooking appliances.
- Cyclic changes in temperature can damage furniture. Hot blasts of air, such as those found from a central heating, should be avoided because they cause extreme localized drying of wood furniture.
How to Dust Furniture Properly
Be sure to use the same type of polish consistently. Your furniture will appear cloudy or streaky if oil-based and wax-based polishes are interchanged.
Always use a fine furniture polish when dusting. Never dry dust, as it could case microscopic scratches on your wood furniture surfaces. Remember to change dusting clothes frequently since a dirty cloth may scratch your furniture’s surface.
We hope you enjoyed these simple and easy to use tips to keep your real wood furniture looking fresh and bright.