Some people are skeptical about commissioning a piece of wooden furniture to be made as they feel it requires too much care to maintain. The truth is that some of the finest heirloom pieces that have weathered the years are made of wood, and it really doesn’t take too much effort to keep your wooden furniture looking its best.

As a fine furniture maker in Boston that has gained a lot of experience with caring for wood over the years, here are 5 simple ways that you can protect your wooden furniture:

1. Dust Frequently.

Don’t allow dust to build up as it has the potential to scratch the wood. Use a slightly damp lint-free cloth to wipe down your wood furniture once a week.

2. Make Use of Mayonnaise.

Eliminate the unsightly watermark rings from your table by rubbing in a little mayonnaise. Works like magic.

3. Consider the Placement of Wood Furniture.

Make a point of not placing it near a radiator or heat register as it has the potential to warp the wood. If you have a wooden table with leaves, store the leaves near the table versus in the attic or basement where it also has the potential to become warped.

4. Keep an Eye on the Humidity Level of Your Home.

Too much moisture has the potential to damage your wood furniture. As a rule of thumb, try to maintain the humidity level in your home between 40 and 45 percent.

5. Let Your Wood Furniture Shine.

While you want to avoid many of the commercial polishes that contain silicone, you can use a hard carnauba wax and a lint-free cloth to enhance the beauty of your wood furniture.

Contact me, Richard Oedel, fine furniture maker in Boston, for more tips for caring for wood furniture.