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 of hardwood furniture should be performed carefully. Ensure that any spills are cleaned up immediately using a dry cloth where possible. When dusting, always use a clean, dry cloth, wiping along the direction of the grain in a light oval motion. Use a specially developed furniture polish and be wary of using a silicone based polish which can dry out the timber.

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.

Objects placed on top of furniture should be moved carefully, always being careful to lift the item rather than sliding as this will cause scratches to the surface finish. Avoid over-filling drawers and cupboards as this can damage the drawers, shelves and doors of the piece, often working them loose and causing a poor fit. Heavy pieces of furniture should always be moved by at least two people, again ensuring the item is lifted off the floor to avoid damage to the floor and legs of the piece.

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.

This article was written by James Rockford who writes often for sites such as Mango Wood Furniture. James is passionate about DIY, home improvement and furniture and also writes often for great sites like Jali Furniture amongst others.
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