Anything you buy for your home is a big investment, and it’s understandable that you would want to take care of it and preserve it for as long as possible.
As the A Wood Idea team specialise in wooden floors, doors and staircases, we have created this comprehensive wood care guide for you to follow, which offers guidance on how to clean, care for and maintain wooden products in your home.
Why is wood care important?
One of the wonderful things about having wooden furniture in your home is that it is a natural material, which means it works beautifully in all types of home and with all types of décor.
However, as a natural substance, wood needs to be treated and cared for in the right way; it can absorb and release moisture over time, and can expand and contract as the temperature changes. But with the correct care and treatment, wooden furniture, floors, doors and staircases will remain a beautiful feature in your home for years to come.
Cleaning and dusting wood furniture
Wood furniture and fittings are finished in a clear lacquer, which means they are very simple to clean during your regular cleaning routine. Simply wipe down wooden staircases, flooring and furniture with a soft, damp cotton cloth. You can use a mild soap or detergent if you have tougher stains or marks to remove.
Once you have cleaned the surface, wipe dry with a soft cloth to remove any excess moisture that could be absorbed into the wood. Make sure to avoid any rough cloths, and stronger cleaning products like bleach, that could damage the surface of the wood.
For more guidance to cleaning wooden doors, read our guide here.
Wood care products
Alongside the regular cleaning of your wooden furniture and fittings, you can also apply a number of different products that can help to polish and protect your wood. This is especially useful for wooden flooring and staircases, which are naturally exposed to more wear and tear than other parts of the home, but all types of wooden furniture and fittings can benefit from the application of one, or both of the following:
- Paste wax. Paste wax fills the gaps and marks on the surface of the wood, making it particularly useful for filling-in and smoothing-out any scratches or damage. Wax also has the benefits of waterproofing, reducing the chance of the wood absorbing moisture and its condition deteriorating. Depending on the treatment you use, some paste waxes need to be applied every three months, and others have effects that last as long as two years.
- Wood care oil. Wood oil, in liquid form, is absorbed into the wood, helping to nourish it and restore its shine. Once the wood has absorbed enough of the oil, it becomes saturated, which in turn waterproofs the wood.
Make sure to avoid silicone-based polishes when caring for your wooden furniture and fittings, as these tend to build-up on the wood’s surface and can affect the original finish of the wood.
Day-to-day care of wood furniture
As well as cleaning your wooden furniture and using wood care products, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure you preserve the condition of your wooden furniture, staircases and doors.
- Avoid putting hot items onto the wood, as this may cause damage
- Clean up any spillages immediately to keep the wood dry and prevent it absorbing moisture
- Where possible, protect wooden furniture from regularly being in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colour of the wood to fade over time
We hope you find this guide useful, and are able to use some of these techniques to care for the wooden fixtures, fittings and furniture in your home. If you have a question about any of our products and services, or would like to see what we have available, you can contact our team on 0191 448 7803 or email [email protected].
