Antique wood furniture can add instant elegance to a room, but it requires proper care to look its best and last for years to come. Wood is a delicate material, so it is vital to know how to clean it correctly, how to store it and what kind of things could pose a danger to it. Wood antiques are often intricately carved, adding to their aesthetic appeal but also making them trickier to clean and maintain.
Keep It Clean
Wood furniture should be cleaned with care and an absolute minimum of moisture involved. Generally, you should dust your wood furniture with a soft dry cloth regularly throughout the year. You should be gentle as you clean it, ensuring you don’t accidentally scuff or scratch the wood. You should also use highly diluted gentle dish soap to clean away any dirt and debris. Use the smallest amount possible on a soft cloth and dry the wood furniture thoroughly but gently afterwards.
Store It Away From Moisture
Moisture can be very damaging to wood furniture, so it is crucial to carefully control the moisture levels in the air around your antique. If you live in a humid area, a dehumidifier can be invaluable to keep the room it is stored in free of as much moisture as possible. You should also keep your antique away from any windows or doors where moisture might accumulate. It is best to avoid keeping wooden antiques in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom entirely.
Install A Termite Barrier
Termites are a major risk to antique wood furniture, so it is crucial that you take preventative steps to avoid termites getting into your house. There are termite barriers that can be installed around your home, which use purposely placed bait to lure away any termites in the area around your home. You should use a high-quality termite control company like ABC Home & Commercial Services for any termite prevention, which will ensure you get the highest level of protection.
Polish Using Beeswax
For a great protective finish for your wood antique, you should wax it using natural beeswax. This will give the antique a beautiful shine and protect it from any dangers in its environment. This should be done once or twice per year, using small amounts of beeswax on a clean, soft cloth.
Keep It Out Of Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause damage to wood furniture over time, so it should be kept in a room well away from any windows or areas that get a lot of sunlight. When pacing a piece of antique wood furniture, look throughout the house to find the area that gets the least amount of direct sunlight. Over-exposure to sunlight can cause wood furniture to become brittle or cracked.
Final Thoughts
Antique wood furniture can be an excellent addition to any home, creating a beautiful focal point. Wood is a timeless material for furniture and can be a beautiful heirloom to pass on to future generations. You need to understand how to clean and maintain your antique wood furniture so that it continues looking its best and doesn’t become damaged or worn.
Leave a Reply