Dos and don’ts for maintaining your wooden furniture

Looking for the perfect furniture for your home can be as challenging as maintaining it. Despite your best efforts to keep them in good condition, wear and tear is inevitable over time. If you’ve invested in high-quality furniture, the sudden appearance of a random crack can be quite shocking.

While some things are beyond our control, being prepared for quick repair work is essential. Here are some tips to ensure your rustic wooden furniture stays in top-notch condition:

1. **Warm Liquid:** Use a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water for daily wiping and dusting. Gently wipe the outer surface of the furniture. However, it’s advisable to perform this cleaning routine on sunny days.
2. **Paste Wax:** To maintain the new look of your furniture, apply a thin coat of high-quality soft paste wax. Allow it to sit for five minutes, then lightly buff with a soft brush or cloth. After 30 to 60 minutes, brush it away to reveal a beautiful shine.
3. **Protect from Sunlight:** Avoid placing wooden furniture directly under sunlight, especially during hot summers. Direct sunlight can heat the fine finish, accelerate fading, and cause the wood to dry out and shrink, resulting in cracks. Consider covering the furniture with cloth or plastic to shield it from harmful rays.

4. **Shoe Polish or Markers:** If you notice a crack, use shoe polish or permanent marker pens for quick touch-ups. Apply them to scratches and chips to make them less visible on the furniture.
5. **DIY Abrasives:** For a non-invasive solution, create a mild abrasive by mixing non-gel toothpaste with baking soda or cooking oil with ashes. Rub it on small spots with your finger or use a soft cloth for larger areas. This method can help maintain the furniture’s appearance without causing damage.