Solid-wood furniture of high quality is an investment that you will want to enjoy and use while keeping it in good condition. To ensure its longevity, you must learn how to care for your wood furniture properly. If cared for correctly, your wood furniture can last long enough to be passed down as a family heirloom once you learn how wood furniture maintenance shouldn’t be difficult. Here are five expert tips on how to care for wood furniture.

1. Be Careful Where You Put It

Natural woods are susceptible to temperature variations. Placing furniture near a heater vent or in direct sunlight can warp the wood. Avoid placing furniture near heating and cooling vents to keep the wood in good condition. Curtains should be put up in rooms with many windows to protect the wood from direct sunlight.

2. Keep It Clean

Did you know that dust particles can scratch furniture? Dust particles can scratch wood finishes if they are allowed to accumulate. You can prevent this by wiping down your furniture with a soft, clean cloth once or twice a week. Use a dry or damp cloth. If you are using a damp cloth, make sure to wipe it in the direction of the wood grain.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When you want to clean wood furniture, most of the time, a dry, soft cloth will work. Use a damp cloth with clean water or a mild dish soap solution. Avoid wood cleaners, especially those that are silicone or ammonia-based. Instead, invest in a wax-based furniture finish and use wood polish and conditioner once or twice a month.

4. Protect the Surface

The table surface doesn’t need to be covered at all times. You probably purchased this furniture because you liked the look of the wood. However, you should still use mats, trivets, and coasters to protect the wood surface from hot pans, cold drinks, and other objects. This will prevent damage from moisture, temperature changes, and scratches.

5. Manage Humidity

Extremes of humidity can also warp wood. Ideal humidity levels are between 40 and 45 percent. When the air is dry, you can use a humidifier to prevent the wood from shrinking and drying out. In some climates, you may need to use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to prevent the wood from warping and swelling during humid, warm months.

This post was written by a professional at Southern Rust Furniture. At Southern Rust, we take furniture seriously. We specialize in industrial credenza furniture with a rustic twist. Our pieces can be adapted to fit a variety of styles, and we can customize all the details to perfect each piece for your home or office. At Southern Rust, we know that details matter, and finding one of a kind custom built furniture to fit your space is hard to come by. However, our highly skilled team can make your vision a reality. If you’re looking to furnish your space, you can view our popular pieces and order them directly, or you can meet with us to design a custom piece for your home or office.