Wooden Furniture Care
- Teak, rosewood, elm or birch, all types of wooden furniture require constant and adequate care. Wooden furniture has to be safeguarded from temperature extremes, direct sunlight, dust and moisture. Excessive dampness as well as dryness can damage wood. So protect your wood furniture from excessive exposure to sunlight, heat, cold or excessively damp or dry environments. Use sheer curtains on windows to shield decorating and furniture from sunlight, and use either a humidifier or de-humidifier as needed to keep the air in the room from becoming too dry or too damp. Wood is a natural living product and the furniture will 'breathe' in response to changes in the atmosphere. Rapid or extreme fluctuations in temperature, humidity or direct sunlight may cause cracking, splitting and warping.
- Avoid using wet cloths or mops, as this will stain and damage the wood.
- Dust your furniture regularly using a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment.This will keep the build up of dirt to a minimum and help prevent scratches and ground-in grime.
- Always use coasters, place mats or other protective materials when placing anything on top of your wood furniture.If water or other liquid is spilled on the wood, wipe it up immediately with a cloth.
- Never place hot objects directly onto the wood of your furniture as this can discolor the finish and leave a permanent mark in the wood.
- The best way to protect wooden furniture is by applying paste wax. Oiling may seem to be an easy option but in the long run you will find that the oil coated surface attracts more dust and are easily scratch-prone. Paste was is also acts as a concealer to cover small cracks.
- Do not drag wooden furniture, as dragging may weaken the legs; it is safer to lift them. Check the furniture thoroughly for any loose joints, cracks, etc before shifting them to prevent further damage. It is better to lift furniture at its strongest point. Like for example, lift a table by its leg rather that the top. Catch hold of the seat of a chair to lift it instead of its arms. Be gentle when you are opening and closing lids, doors and drawers.
