| Now that you have purchased some fine wood | | | | Avoid using any type of cover that has a rubber or |
| furniture, it is important to take proper care of it. With | | | | vinyl backing on it. These materials have chemicals in |
| some basic care, your fine furniture can last for years, | | | | them that can permanently ruin the wood finish. |
| and stay just as beautiful as the day you bought it. | | | | 2. Wood Furniture Cleaning |
| Below are some tips on taking proper care of wood | | | | Dust your wood furniture often to keep the surfaces |
| furniture. | | | | shiny and bright. Always use a soft cloth to keep from |
| 1. Wood Furniture Care | | | | scratching the wood. When dusting, always dust with |
| Proper care of wood furniture is essential if you want | | | | the grain of the wood. If your furniture gets dirty, try |
| it to last. Keeping it out of direct sunlight will keep the | | | | cleaning it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. If |
| wood finish from fading out. | | | | this does not work, try using a mild soap and water |
| Even though many pieces of new wood furniture | | | | solution on your cloth, and try it again. When done |
| come with finishes that are resistant to sunlight, it is still | | | | cleaning with soapy water, use a different cloth |
| possible for them to fade if exposed to the sun for | | | | soaked in warm water (no soap) to remove the extra |
| extended periods of time. You may wish to close the | | | | soap residue. When done, wipe down with a dry cloth |
| drapes or blinds in rooms containing this furniture during | | | | to remove any extra moisture. Scratches and dings |
| certain parts of the day to keep the direct sunlight off. | | | | can sometimes be removed with furniture touch-up |
| Keeping wood furniture dry is also essential. If the | | | | products that can be purchased at fine furniture stores, |
| wood gets wet, it can cause the finish to peel or fade, | | | | or at hardware stores. Try to avoid over polishing |
| and can actually warp the wood. Be sure to wipe up | | | | wood furniture. This can result in a wax build-up which |
| any spills as soon as you are able. Do not let them dry | | | | will dull the shine of your wood. |
| or you may end up with a permanent stain. | | | | 3. Wood Furniture Storage |
| Protecting the tops of wood furniture is essential to | | | | Wood is susceptible to damage from humidity. Thus, |
| avoid scratches and dings. Using a tablecloth on a | | | | damage can occur if your furniture is stored in a place |
| wood table is a great idea if the table is used often. | | | | with too much humidity, or too little humidty. Basements |
| Besides accenting the look of your wood table, it will | | | | are generally fairly damp, so if you plan on storing your |
| also protect the table surface. Never put hot pots or | | | | fine furniture in the basement be sure to get a |
| pans directly on a wood table top. Coasters, trivets, | | | | dehumidifier. You should also cover the furniture with |
| and hot pads can also be used to protect your table. | | | | cloths to prevent a build-up of dust. |