Hardwood furniture looks great in any room of the home but its look can be damaged in many ways. Scratches, moisture, spills and sunlight can all cause damage to your furniture and there are a great number of ways in which to combat the effects of these factors.
Moisture – The most frequent cause of damage to hardwood furniture is from moisture in the air. More specifically it is changes in the relative humidity of the room in which furniture is stored which causes the damage. As the humidity rises, the grain of the wood expands. If the rise in humidity is too quick, the wood can expand too quickly causing joints to become loose and cracks to appear. Try to keep your home at a near constant temperature to keep the humidity consistent.
Sunlight – Another frequent cause of damage to hardwood furniture is sunlight. Leaving your furniture in direct sunlight can cause a great deal of damage. The light can cause the finish to crack and the timber to bleach. Particularly strong sunlight can even cause timbers to crack and split as they dry out. Position your furniture away from direct sunlight, using curtains and blinds or large plants to block the direct light if necessary.
Cleaning – Cleaning hardwood furniture is simple provided you adhere to one rule: No water! All spills should be cleaned up immediately using a clean dry cloth. For stubborn food spills, use a lightly dampened but not wet cloth. When dusting, again use a clean dry cloth or apply a specially developed furniture polish, avoiding silicone based polishes where possible as these can dry the wood.
Furniture with an oil or waxed finish should be re-finished every three to six months depending on how often the piece is used. For a varnished or lacquered finish, re-finish as required, referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always use the correct product for the job and consult application instructions before commencing. Unfinished furniture should ideally be given the finish of your choice before use to protect the wood from moisture.
Moving Furniture – Be careful to lift items such as lamps or vases carefully rather than sliding them to avoid scratching the surface of your furniture. When moving a piece of furniture, again lift the item rather than sliding as this can cause damage to the floor and cause the legs of the item to chip or split. If a piece is particularly heavy, get someone to help lift it rather than dragging the item. Ensure drawers and shelves are not overloaded as this is a sure way to loose-fitting drawer fronts, doors and runners.
The furniture you buy for your home is a major investment and solid hardwood furniture, with a little looking after, will become a prized heirloom which will be passed on for generations. We hope this article has provided a good insight into caring for your home furnishings. If in any doubt when performing any work in the home always consult a professional.
If you enjoyed this article, and would like to find out more please visit Sheesham Furniture. This article was written by James Rockford, who has a passion for furniture and writes regularly for sites such as Jali Furniture amongst others.