Worst Things You Can Do To Your Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is one of the best types of furniture. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing to look at, but they are also very durable. So they are a worthy investment when it comes to furniture shopping. 

But just like any other furniture, they can only last long if you know how to take care of them. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to. That is why in this article you will learn the worst things you can do to your wood furniture.

Using Dishcloth or Sponge for Cleaning

Nobody wants to have dusty furniture in their house. It makes your furniture look old and can cause respiratory problems like allergies and asthma. So it’s essential to wipe them from time to time. But when you do your wiping, never use a dishcloth or a sponge.

There could be chemicals from strong detergents in them that can damage your furniture. It would be best to use soft cloths, like chamois or cheesecloth instead. 

If you don’t have any, old clothes will do just fine. Preferably those frequently washed because they are softer.

Using Abrasive Cleaning Solvents

Abrasive cleaning solvents should never be for cleaning wood furniture. Examples of this are cleaning powders and cleaning products containing ammonia. Using such products can lead to scratches and stains on your wooden furniture.

Use mild cleaning agents instead, like hand washing dish soap. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water. 

Using Too Much Water when Cleaning

Never use too much water when cleaning your wooden furniture. You are just wiping the dust and dirt off it, not washing it. Using too much water can lead to water damage and may leave stains on your furniture. 

So avoid putting wet fabrics on top of your wooden furniture. To ensure that no water damage will happen, wipe it again with a dry cloth after wiping it with a wet one. 

Putting Hot Objects on Your Wooden Dining Table and Other Wood Furniture

People tend to think that they can put anything on their wooden dining table because they are durable. But that’s not true. Putting hot objects on top of your wooden table can damage it. 

Hot mugs, cups, and bowls can form ring marks on your wooden dining table and other wooden furniture. So to prevent that, ensure that you are using coasters before you put them on top.

Exposed to the Elements

Many people like to take some of their furniture outside during summer. If you are one of these people, ensure that your wood furniture outside will not be under direct sunlight. That is because UV rays can crack its surface. 

Wind and rain can also damage your furniture. So store your furniture when the weather goes bad.

Exposed to Heat Sources

Temperature can affect your wooden furniture. Cold temperatures can contract the wood, and hot temperatures can expand it. Constant exposure to heat sources can create warps which mean your wooden furniture can lose its original shape and stability. 

So avoid putting your wooden furniture near vents and fireplaces.

Using Commercial Waxes and Sprays

Everyone wants to have shiny wooden furniture but using commercial waxes and spray can damage them. Why? Because some of these products contain silicon. 

Silicon can form a barrier on your wooden furniture, which can make refinishing and touch-ups impossible. Also, as the wax builds up over time, your wooden furniture collects more dust and dirt, which can be problematic if you have allergies or asthma. 

Conclusion

Wooden furniture can last throughout the years if you just know how to take care of them. But unfortunately, not everyone is an expert in furniture maintenance. So, if you know anyone new to wooden furniture, share this article with them.