Wood has been favourite amongst ardent furniture lovers. One of the biggest reasons for wooden pieces to still be in high demand is its durability- solid wood lasts for generations.
However, to retain its magnificence, it requires a considerable amount of care in the right way. Ensuring absolute care can be difficult since wood has a tendency to gather dust and dirt. If not cleaned on a regular basis, it can lose its sheen with time. With wood being highly prone to absorbing stains and getting easily blemished, a daily schedule of cleaning will go a long way in preserving the newness and the lustre. In order to make sure you are doing what it takes to retain the new look of your furniture, dusting, cleaning, and polishing are primary contributors. Although there exists numerous ways to care for your furniture, for the most part, it depends on the finish of the wood.
Understanding various challenges that may your new wooden pieces, stealing them
of their beauty, is imperative.
1. Placement matters – Tables and cupboards kept in sunlight or right beside a heat register may incur considerable damage to the surface from temperature fluctuations. Excessive exposure to sunlight as well can fade the surface, diminishing its shine.
2. Check humidity – A known fact, humidity levels hitting the extremes could crack or swell the wood. Humidity between 40-45% is ideal to make sure your furniture is safe from damage.Appropriate moisture levels are a key to the preservation of wooden furniture, so as to avoid surface damage to the wood.
3. Go scratch-free – Wooden pieces are highly susceptible to scratches. Light scratches can be treated at home, however, deep ones might call for professional help. Sliding any object across the surface may cause scratches, and dents on the corners if it’s hit by a heavy object.
4. Be liquid-safe- Pooling of water from vases or spilled liquid that remains for long without being wiped can cause severe damage to the finish of the wood. As well as, hot and wet objects on the surface may lead to significant harm. Trivets and coasters for hot objects are the best options and avoid keeping wet items on the surface.
5. Use placemats/mats- It has been observed that vinyl and plastic leave behind a stained surface with the residue that builds up, making the surface sticky and discoloured.
6. Keep dusting- Wood tends to accumulate dust that leaves the surface lustreless, damaging it in the long run. Frequent dusting will ensure the shine remains. With a soft, dry cotton fabric, it is easy to clean the surface.
7. Clean the Surface- Dampen a soft cloth with a little water or a wood cleaning spray. Do not spray directly on the wood as it may cause staining and damage to the surface. Wipe off any remaining moisture with a lint-free cloth. In case of scratches that call for a quick-fix, an appropriate colour shoe polish helps make the stain lighter in intensity. For a better result, try using a coordinating colour marker.
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