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15 Tips For Protecting Wood Furniture

Posted by Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstery

February 24, 2016 03:24:49pm

Beautiful wood furniture lasts for years, decades, or even longer. Your beautiful wood dresser, table, or chest can become a family heirloom, if properly cared for and protected. Use our tips for protecting wood furniture, and you and your family will be enjoying it for many years to come.

1. 1. Dust frequently. Even when no dust is visible on your furniture, dust particles are still present, and can do damage to the furniture if left undusted.
2. 2. When dusting, use only a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using feather dusters, as the spines in the feathers could damage the wood’s surface, and don’t use sponges, as they can be too abrasive. A simple cloth will do the best job of collecting dust, and is the safest to use on fine wood.
3. 3. Avoid using water-based cleaning products on your wood furniture. Moisture will damage the wood’s finish, and can warp the wood itself.
4. 4. Avoid using ammonia on your wood furniture. Ammonia will damage the finish and can even discolor the wood underneath the finish.
5. 5. When choosing the right cleaning solution for your wood furniture, do your research and be highly selective. Many of the products marketed toward wood furniture will actually do more harm than good. Most citrus-based cleaners are too strong, and will damage the wood’s finish. Most solvent-based sprays and wipes, likewise are too strong, and include chemicals that can break down the finish, or leave behind a sticky residue that would then attract dust. Furniture oil – even a furniture oil claiming to be specially formulated for your furniture – can be useless at best, and downright harmful at worst. Even homemade natural remedies, though they sound harmless, can do damage to wood and finishes. Far more often than not, all you need to clean wood furniture is a soft, clean cloth.
6. 6. Polish the metal knobs and pulls of your furniture only after you have removed them, otherwise the harsh chemicals in the metal polish will damage the wood.
7. 7. When using crafts supplies, nail polish, and other types of material, do so far away from the wood furniture. These materials can damage the finish of the furniture, whether by chemically affecting it, bleeding onto the wood, or leaving impressions. Even a ballpoint pen on paper can leave marks and small dents in the finish or in the wood itself.
8. 8. Keep your wood furniture away from sources of heat, including heating vents, boilers, and ovens. Likewise, do not set hot things on or near your wood furniture. If you need to set a hot dish onto the wood dining room table, be sure to place it on a trivet or hot pad, or use a table protection pad. Extremely hot dishes that are taken straight out of the oven should be allowed to cool slightly before they are set on the wood surface, even if the surface is protected.
9. 9. Keep wood furniture out of extremely dry conditions. Dry air can cause the wood to splinter, shrink, or become brittle.
10. 10. Position your wood furniture out of harsh or direct sunlight to protect the finish from fading.
11. 11. Position your wood furniture away from sources of moisture, including humidifiers, steam from the kitchen, or steam from the bathroom.
12. 12. Use coasters for beverages in order to protect your wood furniture from water rings and condensation.
13. 13. If there is anything arranged on your wood furniture, whether it be a bowl, a lamp, or a centerpiece of some kind, be sure to attach a felt or cork pad underneath the object.
14. 14. Avoid using vinyl tablecloths, which can leave a residue, and opt for cloth tablecloths instead. If you must use vinyl, be sure to launder it first, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
15. 15. Find the best furniture refinishing service, with professional craftsmen who can care for your wood furniture and keep it look beautiful!

Furniture Refinishing Experts In Northeast Florida
Even when you follow each of these tips and suggestions, your furniture may still need professional care from time to time. Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering is the highly-rated Jacksonville FL furniture refinishing company, and the one trusted by homeowners throughout Jacksonville, Mandarin, Ortega, and beyond. When your fine wood antique needs a repair, a refinishing job, or even just a careful cleaning, trust it to us!