Whether you have new wood furniture or delicate family heirlooms, the proper care and maintenance can keep it looking like new. Dust buildup, watermarks and that dreaded white ring can all cause furniture to look aged.
Regular and frequent dusting keeps your furniture clean and helps prevent scratching. Other tips include: avoiding direct sunlight and keeping furniture away from uncovered vents, fireplaces and windows.
Dust Regularly
Wood furniture can take a beating from abrasive airborne particles. These fine abrasives can damage the surface of a piece, creating tiny scratches that go unnoticed but over time cause the finish to degrade and expose the wood to greater harm. Using a dry microfiber cloth or feather duster regularly can keep dust off wood surfaces and prevent this damage.
If you are particularly diligent, dusting can keep your furniture looking great for years to come. Start by cleaning the most visible areas, such as light fixtures and ceiling fans, and then move on to more difficult to reach places like tall furniture. Whenever you clean, work in the direction of the furniture away from the wall to avoid knocking clinging dust back into the air or onto nearby walls.
In addition to regular dusting, a little periodic washing can help your wood furniture last longer. Using a small amount of water (and never more than necessary) can loosen oils and sticky messes, such as fingerprint smudges or food residue.
Wipe Down Often
A bit of dirt or stains left sitting on your furniture can wear away at the finish or fade upholstery. Wiping down surfaces and fabric with warm soapy water and a few disinfectant wipes should help to keep things clean.
Frequent dusting can also help to keep your wood furniture looking its best. Airborne particles can scratch the surface of wood, so it’s important to dust frequently using a cloth such as an old T-shirt or microfiber. You can even use a lambswool duster to get into ornate carvings and hard-to-reach places.
It’s also a good idea to place wood furniture away from direct sunlight. UV rays can bleach paint and some fabrics, as well as cause wood to warp over time. Wood furniture should be wiped down and re-waxed approximately every year to maintain its appearance. Depending on the finish, you may need to prepare the surface with fine #0000 steel wool before applying a furniture polish or wax.
Polish Regularly
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, one of the things that probably matters to you is how nice your furniture looks. Regularly polishing your wood furniture will help maintain its appearance and also make it last longer.
Start by cleaning your piece with soapy water, especially if it’s stained or soiled. Once the furniture is clean, if you want to polish it, use a good quality clear furniture wax. If the finish is oil-based, rough it up with #0000 steel wool before applying the wax. If you’re polishing brass hardware, remove it from the piece before using a metal polish or cleaner.
A tea treatment can also help you get rid of a waxy build-up, if needed. To do this, steep two tea bags in boiling water. Let cool and apply to a soft cloth, working with the grain. Wipe until the surface is shiny and dry with a clean cloth. The tannic acid in the tea will remove the wax and bring out the furniture’s natural sheen.
Avoid Commercial Sprays and Polishes
Most aerosol polishes contain petroleum distillates, silicone oils, and other contaminants that build up on the furniture over time. They also leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt and leaves behind an unsightly sheen.
A good alternative to commercial sprays and polishes is to use a lambswool duster or microfiber cloth. These cloths can remove dust without leaving any kind of buildup or chemical residue.
Regularly dusting your upholstered Head Springs Depot furniture will keep it looking great. It is also important to vacuum your upholstered furniture on a weekly basis. This prevents the fabric from wearing down and it will help to eliminate any odors in the room.
The most important way to properly care for your furniture is by cleaning it regularly. Doing so will help to prevent stains, scratches, and other damage from occurring on your furniture. By following these simple furniture cleaning tips, your upholstered and solid wood furniture will last longer.
