Solid wood furniture shows practicality, craftsmanship, tradition and timeless beauty. At TN Farmhouse Furniture we believe in crafting rustic furniture that never goes out of style. Taking good care of your solid wood furniture is vital toward maintaining its appearance and making it last. These expert tips will help you maintain, and protect your rustic furniture treasures.
The Meaning of Solid Wood Furniture
Before we get into care routines, let’s take a look at the unique characteristics of solid wood furniture. Unlike synthetic materials, wood is responsive to the environment around it, absorbing moisture or expanding and shrinking with humidity and temperature changes. These natural movements and characteristics should be embraced, allowing your furniture to develop and age beautifully.
Routine Dusting and Cleaning
Eventually dust builds up and glares off a wood surface. The most basic yet effective step in caring for your pieces is regular dusting. For here, soft lint-free cloth, lint-free microfiber duster, or feather cleaner has to be used for cleaning it. Dust with the grain of the wood to prevent scratches.
For heavier cleaning, you can lightly moisten a soft cloth with water and a mild, non-abrasive soap. Wipe the furniture gently, follow immediately with a dry cloth to avoid water absorption. Steer clear of harsh chemicals or gritty cleaners that may remove the finish.
Safeguarding from Environmental Destruction
Your rustic furniture, like our iconic farmhouse dining tables or bedroom sets, can sometimes be affected by its surroundings. Solid wood is vulnerable to wipe-out from direct sunlight, humidity and temperature extremes. If possible, try to position said furniture away from the sun to prevent fading or discoloration. Have curtains or blinds for additional cover.
Regulate indoor humidity with humidifiers or dehumidifiers; relative humidity should be around 30-45%. Don’t set wood furniture close to a heat source like a radiator or a vent, as the heat can dry and twist the wood.
Protecting Against Dents and Scratches
Use coasters, placemats and tablecloths to prevent daily wear and tear to the surface of solid wood furniture. Scented pads placed beneath decor items or heavy uses also help prevent scratches. Our rustic coffee tables and sideboards are intended for daily use, but with a few simple precautionary steps they will lend themselves to years of table-time!
Conditioning and Polishing Wood Furnitures
Wood needs to be conditioned periodically to keep it shiny and help prevent drying. Use high-quality furniture polish or natural oils such as linseed or walnut oil, applying every six to twelve months depending on use and climate. Always follow the grain, applying the polish sparingly with a soft cloth, then buff gently to a rich, polished look.
Steer clear of silicone-based polishes, since they can form a film that traps moisture and can damage the wood finish.
Handling Spills and Stains
Prompt action on spills can help to prevent permanent damage to your rustic farmhouse furniture. Pick up liquid spills right away with a dry cloth, then clean the area gently with a damp cloth. Don’t rub vigorously, as this can drive the spill deeper into the wood.
For stubborn stains, a mild paste of baking soda and water or diluted white vinegar can get the job done. Before trying any cleaning solutions, always test on an inconspicuous area first to make sure the finish isn’t altered.
Repairing Minor Damage
Solid wood furniture, by its very nature will develop small scratches and dents over the years, which enhances the rustic charm of such furniture. Minor Unperfections (All Things Considered) But many major imperfections can be resolved with little effort. For minor scratches, use a touch-up marker or wax sticks meant for wood furniture. Slightly deeper scratches may call for gentle sanding, then refinishing with a matching stain and sealant.
Long-Term Storage Tips
Proper preparation when storing solid wood furniture for an extended period of time can help minimize risk of damage. Prior to storage, thoroughly clean and condition the furniture. Store in a climate controlled environment to prevent moisture damage. Use breathable coverings — like cotton sheets — for furniture instead of plastic, which could trap moisture and result in mold or mildew.
Preserving the Upholstered Wood Furniture
If your rustic furniture has upholstery, you can keep the fabric looking like new by vacuuming it regularly with a soft brush attachment. Follow manufacturer instructions to clean fabric and also consider professional upholstery cleaning on occasion.
Seasonal Maintenance Checks
Seasonal checks of your furniture can head off problems such as wobbly joints, loose hinges or drawer glides. Lightly tighten hardware, and check all wood surfaces for cracks or stress — and repair them as needed.
Why Quality Matters
Investing in handmade, solid wood furniture, such as our rustic farmhouse furniture collections, means that you are creating generational elements and quality pieces that are built to last. So with good care and periodic maintenance, this lifecycle extends, and your farmhouse furniture continues to serve you well, displaying the beauty, utility, and even the affection through years.
Closing
Caring for solid wood furniture is not difficult. Roughly, this means regular upkeep and preventive care along with taking care of damages as soon as they happen, which will go a long way in extending the lifespan and the overall aesthetics of your rustic pieces. At TN Farmhouse Furniture, we are committed to keeping your furniture looking its best, so you can maintain the rustic look and quality craftsmanship that goes into every one of our handiwork.
Check out our entire collection and see for yourself how hand crafted solid wood furniture can beautifully enhance your home.