Wood is one of Ottawa’s most common furniture materials due to its durability, energy efficiency, and easy-to-maintain characteristics. Its sophistication and elegance are also perfect for changing the look and feel of a space.
Many people purchase ready-made wood furniture as they are more affordable. But some people look for custom wood furniture in Ottawa, especially if they want high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces.
However, several elements can make wood furniture look dull and unattractive. These include dust, dirt, and humidity. According to research, indoor dust in Ottawa contains more elements than outdoor dust and soil. This makes your house in the city dustier than most homes in the country.
So, if you don’t know how to maintain the upkeep of your furniture, it won’t last long and may lead you to buy a new one. Therefore, proper maintenance is crucial to keep it shiny, preserve its quality, and extend its life.
This article outlines what you need to do to keep your wood furniture shiny.
Table of Contents
How To Dust Wooden Furniture
Regular dusting is vital to maintain the sheen and quality of your wood furniture. Dust buildup can scratch the wood surface and make it look dull. Leaving dust on your wood furniture may also cause harm to your family and cause illnesses such as allergies and asthma.
To dust your wood furniture, prepare a microfibre cloth, terry cloth towel, and feather duster.
Use a feather duster or a dampened microfibre cloth to remove dust on your wooden furniture. This will help you avoid spreading dust around the surface so it won’t scatter into the air. Remove excess moisture using a dry terry towel.
How To Clean Wooden Furniture
Avoid using all-purpose cleaning sprays when cleaning wood furniture, as their residue may damage its surface and finish. You may use vinegar and water solution to clean your furniture.
Mix two litres of warm water and half a cup of white vinegar. Soak a rag in the solution and wring it thoroughly so the excess water won’t penetrate the wood finish.
Wipe the surface gently in a circular motion. Rinse the cloth when dirty and repeat the process until the furniture is clean. Then, use a dry fabric to remove the excess moisture and ensure the surface is dry.
How To Polish Wooden Furniture
To maintain wood quality, you must polish your furniture regularly. Use a quarter cup of olive or vegetable oil and a similar amount of white vinegar.
Before polishing your wooden pieces, test a small area to ensure the solution is working and not damaging your furniture.
Dampen a microfibre fabric with the solution and use it to polish your furniture’s surface.
How To Remove Water Stains
Sometimes you may notice white stains on your wood furniture caused by hot or cold drinks and other liquids. Fortunately, there’s a way you can remove these stains.
Apply non-gel toothpaste on the stains and rub it using a soft cloth until the stain is lifted. However, if stains are stubborn, use baking soda and toothpaste.
Remove the toothpaste from the surface with a clean damp cloth and make sure the surface is completely dry.
How To Apply Wax to Wood Furniture
To protect the finish of your wood furniture and reduce surface scratches, you may apply wax or polish. Wax gives the wood a good finish and long-lasting protection, and it is more durable than polishes or sprays.
But you must remember to apply the wax properly to ensure you restore or maintain the shine of your wood furniture.
Do this by applying a spoonful of wax to a cotton fabric. Wrap the fabric around the wax and knead it until it gets soft. Then, rub the wax-saturated cloth on the surface of the wood furniture.
Remove the excess wax using a clean cotton cloth. Repeat the process until you wax the entire piece. If streaks are left, keep wiping until you remove all excess wax.
Next, polish the surface of your furniture using a soft cloth attached to a power buffer or electric drill. You can apply a second wax coating and repeat the process if you want a deep shine.
Keep Your Wood Furniture Shiny and Attractive
Wood furniture can be unattractive and distract you and your guests. To keep your wood furniture glossy, charming, and appealing, you must maintain it properly and regularly. Use the proper materials and take the time to clean and polish them. Remember that taking care of your wooden furniture will make it last longer and become a family heirloom.