How to Care for Solid Wood Furniture
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and durability of solid wood furniture. Here are some general maintenance guidelines:
1. Regular Cleaning
Dusting: Use a soft duster or cloth to remove dust at least once a week.
Damp cloth: Wipe the surface with a lightly moistened soft cloth to remove dirt. Make sure the cloth is not too wet, as excessive moisture can damage the wood.
Cleaning products: Avoid harsh cleaners, as they may harm the finish. Use only cleaners specifically designed for wooden furniture.
2. Protection
Sunlight: Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause fading and color changes.
Hot items: Never place hot objects directly on wood surfaces – always use heat-resistant mats or coasters.
Liquids: Prevent liquids from sitting on the surface. If spills occur, wipe them off immediately to avoid water stains.
3. Refinishing
Oiling: Solid wood furniture with an oil finish should be re-oiled periodically. Use a suitable wood oil and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Waxing: Waxed surfaces should also be maintained regularly to preserve their protective layer and sheen.
Lacquering: For lacquered furniture, the protective coat may need to be refreshed from time to time to prevent wear and maintain its appearance.
4. Preventing and Repairing Damage
Scratches and dents: Use special wood fillers or repair pencils for small scratches. For deeper damage, professional restoration may be required.
Protective pads: Attach felt or rubber pads to the legs of the furniture to prevent floor scratches and reduce damage when moving pieces.
5. Humidity and Temperature Control
Humidity: Keep indoor humidity stable, ideally between 40–60%. Excessive dryness or humidity can cause the wood to crack or warp.
Temperature: Avoid placing furniture near heaters, radiators, or other heat sources.
Real-Life Example
Sometimes, despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. For instance, one of our clients accidentally spilled a bit of stove cleaner onto their kitchen countertop. Wiping it off didn’t help, as the cleaner was quite strong and left an etched stain on the wood surface.
Issues like this can be brought to us – in our workshop, we can restore the damaged surface and give the countertop a fresh new look. Depending on the extent of the damage, we can remove the stain, refinish the surface, and if necessary, apply a new protective coating so that the kitchen furniture once again looks beautiful and remains durable.
In many cases, it’s not even necessary to bring the entire countertop to our factory – smaller restoration jobs can often be done right at the client’s home. For example, if kitchen furniture has suffered water damage or other local issues, we can refresh and repair the affected area without having to replace the whole surface.
Proper care of solid wood furniture ensures its long lifespan and helps maintain its aesthetic appeal. Regular maintenance and mindful preventive measures are key to keeping your furniture in great condition.
