Caring for Furniture  

Wood is an organic substance and each species has its own characteristics in terms of color, grain, texture and smell. It is foremost important to understand what can cause your furniture damage. It is necessary to follow some guidelines for the care and handling and cleaning of furniture.

Causes of Damage

The primary cause of damage to furniture is careless handling. Furniture, no matter what size, should always be moved by grasping the sturdiest part (for example, chairs should be lifted by the seat and tables by the rail). Items should never be dragged as this will place stress on their legs, feet and arms.

Furniture surfaces must always be protected from alcohol and water (drink coasters, for instance). If water or alcohol does come in contact with the finish, it should be removed immediately - - especially with a shellac based finish. If tables are protected by glass tops, felt or plastic tabs should be used so that the glass does not stick to the furniture finish.

Environment

All wood finishes are subject to change when exposed to light. Depending on the type of finish and wood, this can range from darkening to fading. If objects are left in the same position on a piece of furniture for a long period of time, uneven facing will occur. Avoid direct sunlight as the heat generated may cause damage by softening or cracking the finish.

Temperature and Humidity

Wood is a porous material and absorbs water when humidity levels are high. This causes the wood to swell. Conversely, wood shrinks in a dry environment. This causes movement within the structure of the wood and can produce cracks, veneer lifting and gaps in joints. Sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause the greatest amount of damage. Furniture can withstand gradual variations in humidity and temperature. Remember, houses prior to the 20th century did not have air conditioning and central heating and by and large the furniture survived quite well. The main damage was generally done to the feet.

These are recommended temperature levels and humidity levels:

Temperature: Winter 70° F Summer 70° - 75° F

Relative humidity: 35 - 45% 55 - 65%

 

Cleaning

Contrary to common belief you do not have to "feed" the wood, and the following information will assist you to keep your furniture in prime condition.

Do not use a polish containing silicone. Just dust with a soft dry cloth.
Once or twice a year you may wish to wax the furniture with a good polish containing beeswax and carnauba wax. Apply sparingly, and buff with a soft cloth.
Do not use kitchen cleaners as they may scratch the finish.
Do not use chemical cleaners, Pledge® or other commercial cleaners.


Conclusion

Follow these rules and your furniture will give you pleasure for a very long time. However, furniture can become damaged. In such a case, you should approach a furniture restorer/conservator who is experienced in restoring furniture similar to what you have.

Wood Care

With just a little TLC, genuine hardwood furniture will last a lifetime - several lifetimes, in fact. Consider grandfather's roll-top desk: a valued treasure passed on from generation to generation. Taking good care of your solid hardwood furniture ensures its longevity. It's easy and largely a matter of common sense.

Heat and Humidities effect on Hardwoods

Did you know that up to half the weight of freshly sawn wood is water? Furniture is crafted from wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home. The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air, shrinking and expanding as a result of changes in humidity.

Like skin, hardwood lose moisture and shrinks a bit in dry air. The halves of an extension table may part slightly or a few tiny openings may appear on a solid wood surface. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises, and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand slightly.

On the other hand, if you don't have an air conditioner or dehumidifier, your home's relative humidity may get too high. Furniture, when in contact with an excess of moisture expands, perhaps causing drawers to stick. Once again, this will correct itself as your home's relative humidity decreases. The furniture's quality and sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes. Here are some ways to ensure your solid hardwood furniture's longevity:

For your comfort, and to protect furniture, humidifiers in winter and air conditioning in summer will regulate relative humidity at 25% to 35 %.
Keep furniture away from a heat source.
Keep furniture away for the direct rays of the sun.
Close the curtains now and then.
Store table leaves close to the table. Keep them in an upstairs closet rather than in a damp basement, so that the table leaves are adjusting to the same relative humidity.

It's surprisingly simple to protect and enhance hardwood's natural beauty. All that's needed is some tender loving care.

Expert tips

Read the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and keep them handy for reference sake. Dust with a soft cloth. When dusting follow the woods grain pattern. T-shirt, cheesecloth and baby diaper that are washed to remove lint make good dusting rags.

Dusting often will remove abrasive dust and particles from the furniture's surface. Use a moist cloth when dusting due to the fact that a dry cloth can leave hairline scratches on the finish.
You can also clean furniture with mild soap that is non alkaline and water. Use the suds on a damp sponge or cloth, but be sure to pretest the solution on an out-of-sight-section to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Dry right away using a soft cloth. Follow the grain of the wood. Buff it lightly.
Occasional polishing and waxing is of benefit to wood furniture. A paste wax can be applied every six to twelve months. Remove old wax first with a mild non-alkaline soap and water solution.
Urethane finished furniture should not be waxed. Wax on a urethane surface will attract dust rather than keep it off the surface of your furniture.

 

Please call Al's Finish Carpentry at: 714-664-8824

 

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