Solid wood furniture is built to last for decades — but only if you take care of it. As a furniture restoration shop, we have seen what happens when wood furniture is neglected, and we have seen pieces that look brand new after 30 years because they were maintained properly.
Here is our complete guide to caring for wood furniture.
Daily Care
Dusting
Dust your wood furniture weekly with a soft, dry cloth. Microfiber cloths work best because they trap dust rather than pushing it around. Dust may seem harmless, but it contains microscopic particles that can scratch wood finishes over time.
Spill Management
Wipe spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. The longer a liquid sits on wood, the deeper it penetrates. Water rings and stains are caused by moisture that seeps into the finish, not the liquid itself.
Weekly Cleaning
For routine cleaning, use a damp cloth — not a wet one. Wring the cloth until it is barely damp, wipe the surface, and dry immediately with a clean cloth. Never use soaking-wet cloths on wood furniture.
Cleaners to Avoid
- All-purpose cleaners: These contain chemicals that strip wood finishes
- Glass cleaners: Ammonia damages wood finishes
- Vinegar: Acidic enough to dull the finish over time
- Steam cleaners: Heat and moisture force water into the wood
Monthly Maintenance
Polishing
Apply a quality furniture polish once a month to protect the finish and restore shine. Use a small amount — too much polish builds up and creates a sticky residue.
Choose a polish that is appropriate for your finish type. Oil-based polishes work well on traditional finishes; wax-based polishes are better for matte and natural finishes.
Check Hardware
Tighten any loose screws, knobs, and hinges. Hardware loosens over time from normal use, and loose hardware leads to bigger problems if left unaddressed.
Seasonal Care
Humidity Control
Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes. In winter, heating dries the air and can cause wood to crack. In summer, humidity rises and wood swells.
Maintain indoor humidity between 30% and 50% year-round. A humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in summer protects your furniture — and your floors and trim.
Protecting Your Furniture
Use Coasters and Pads
Every water ring tells a story of a glass without a coaster. Use coasters under all drinks, and place felt pads under lamps, vases, and decorative objects to prevent scratches.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV rays fade wood finishes and can cause discoloration. Position furniture away from direct sunlight, or use curtains and UV-filtering window film to protect pieces in sunny spots.
Keep Away from Heat Sources
Do not place wood furniture directly against radiators, heating vents, or fireplaces. Heat dries the wood and can cause cracking and warping.
Protect Dining Tables
Use placemats and tablecloths on dining tables to protect the finish from hot dishes, scratches, and spills. A walnut dining table will look beautiful for decades if protected during meals.
Dealing with Damage
Minor Scratches
Light scratches can often be buffed out with a soft cloth and a small amount of furniture polish. For deeper scratches, use a wood touch-up marker that matches your finish.
Water Rings
White water rings are moisture trapped in the finish. Try rubbing gently with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and olive oil. For stubborn rings, professional refinishing may be needed.
Sticky Drawers
Drawers that stick are usually caused by humidity swelling or worn runners. Rub candle wax or paraffin on the drawer runners to help them slide smoothly.
Major Damage
For significant damage — deep gouges, broken joints, water damage — professional restoration is the answer. At Graves Furniture Shop, we restore damaged pieces to their original condition. Call (704) 845-0550 for an assessment.
The best furniture care is preventive. A few minutes of maintenance each week prevents the kind of damage that requires professional restoration.
A Simple Care Schedule
- Weekly: Dust with a microfiber cloth
- Weekly: Wipe spills immediately
- Monthly: Polish with a quality furniture polish
- Monthly: Check and tighten hardware
- Seasonally: Monitor and adjust indoor humidity
- Twice yearly: Deep clean and re-polish
With proper care, your wood furniture from our furniture collections will serve your family for generations. If you have questions about caring for a specific piece, visit our shop in Matthews — we are always happy to help.
