No one would dispute the beauty of wood furniture and it also can be extremely durable and withstand everyday wear over the years as long as it has been properly maintained.

Source: freedigitalphotos.net

As a fine furniture maker in Boston, I’m often asked for tips for caring for wood furniture. I also thought it would be important to clearly outline some of the fastest ways that you can deteriorate your wood furniture:

1. Don’t use a dripping wet cloth to wipe down your wood furniture. You should never allow your wood to get soaked as too much moisture can allow the wood to ripple and warp. Instead opt for a clean, slightly damp lint-free cloth to wipe down your wood furniture, and be sure that all the moisture has been wiped up when you are finished.
2. Avoid plastics, oils, or solvents from being exposed to the surface of your wood furniture for long periods of time. Over time, plastic can stick to the wood surface and oils and solvents can dull the stain of your wood furniture.
3. Don’t use a feather duster on your wood furniture. This may create some confusion as it seems that this is what a feather duster is made for; however, if the duster already has hard to see dust particles on it, it can scratch the surface of your wood.
4. Don’t place your wood furniture in an area that gets direct sunlight. This can cause the stain on your wood to discolor over time.
5. Don’t let your wood furniture be exposed to too much humidity (don’t place it near a humidifier in your home). You want to keep the humidity level in your home between 50 and 55 percent to preserve your wood furniture.

To learn more, contact me, Richard Oedel, fine furniture maker in Boston.