Maintaining oak furniture is not difficult and you can do it yourself. Oak furniture is a simple and timeless piece of furniture in any home and, if cared for properly, can last for decades - without looking worn and worn out. If you have time to spare, why not give some thought to cleaning and caring for your oak furniture?
Simple care tips for oak furniture
It's important to remember that wood will expand and contract slightly with the air around us, but as the sky is always changing, this will more than likely correct itself. However, these changes can affect the characteristics of the wood. Therefore, consider the following steps to give your solid oak furniture a long life:
- Place solid oak dining tables away from radiators, fireplaces and heating ducts.
- Do not place your oak table and chairs in direct sunlight or adjust the blinds to avoid being in direct sunlight for hours on end.
- Try to control the humidity in your home as best you can. In winter you can use a humidifier, in summer a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Use coasters with a non-scratch bottom.
- Use pads under all sharp, hot or cold objects.
- Store tabletops near the table or in the same humidity, avoid storing leaves in damp cellars where the leaves can swell.
- Avoid using nail polish remover, alcohol and other solvents near or on the table.
- Ask your dealer about manufacturer-supplied finishes that are resistant to damage from harmful liquids and objects.
Another good step in the care of your oak wood furniture is to rub it with a protective furniture wax. To keep your furniture in good condition you should wax it every 6 months, this may seem like a bit of a chore but it is worth it if you want to keep your furniture valuable and keep it looking fresh . Wax or polish with a high content of beeswax is ideal for treating and polishing your solid oak dining table and chairs. Waxing protects the grain and makes the wood crack resistant, keeping any finish in the best condition.
It's a good idea to try the wax you're going to use on a part of the furniture that isn't visible, such as under the table, to make sure you're happy with the finish. Once you are satisfied, apply the wax to the rest of the furniture in the same direction as the wood grain. Let it sit for five minutes and then remove the wax by buffing, again in the direction of the wood grain. It's a simple process that doesn't take long.
Cleaning solid oak furniture
Cleaning solid oak furniture is extremely easy and all you need are microfiber cloths and clear dish soap. Start by wiping down your wood furniture with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. You don't want the water to settle on the wood, so give it a quick wipe with another dry microfiber cloth.
For regular dusting, a quick cleaning with a microfiber cloth is sufficient. If your wood furniture has sticky spots, put a drop of dish soap in a microfiber cloth and test a small area of the furniture to see if it removes the finish. If all goes well, combine a few drops of dish soap with a cup of water and gently work on the sticky area. Do not submerge the wood in water and wipe the area dry with a microfiber cloth once the stain has been cleaned.