Having wood furnishings in your home provides a classy and traditional look that will last for years to come – as long as it’s maintained. Substances like water tend to ruin the beautiful aesthetic of wood by causing staining or even rotting.
Wood must be preserved for it to last and function. If you have many wood furniture or pieces in your home that you’d like to keep in lasting condition, continue reading to learn more about how to preserve the wood.
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Why Preserve Your Wood
Because it’s a natural resource, wood is susceptible to staining. Stains resulting from water causes rotting inside the wood, and UV lighting can cause the wood to lighten.
Another problem your wood faces, if it’s not preserved, is termites. Termites are insects that love to feast on dry wood, and they must be exterminated to save your home and other belongings. Learn more about termites and how to keep them away from your home.
How to Treat Wood
There are a variety of methods and ingredients you can use to preserve your wood and keep it healthy. It’s best to start protecting your wood right away, so it stays in great shape.
 1. Oil
Protecting your wood with a coat of oil is one way to keep your wood looking its best. Oil is absorbed by the wood, which keeps it strong and repels water.
There are two choices when it comes to oiling your wood. You can choose a commercial synthetic oil that’s available at home improvement stores, or use natural oils like linseed, coconut, walnut, almond, canola oil and vinegar, and even olive oil and lemon which would provide a pleasant scent as well protection.
To oil your wood, start by dusting it to make sure the oil sinks deeply into the wood. Next, grab a clean rag and the oil you choose, following the directions on the can if you’re using a commercial oil. Start slowly by blotting and rubbing the oil onto the wood a little bit at a time for an even finish, and make sure you clean up extra oil as you go.
If you want extra protection, wait until the oil dries and add another coat or two depending on your preference.
2. Dusting and Vacuuming
A simple way to care for your wood is by dusting and using a brush attachment to suck up any dust hiding in the crevices. Dust also might have moisture in it, which could lead to rotting. Dust with a soft cloth or vacuum brush to remove dirt regularly.
3. Take Preventative Measures
Don’t preserve your wood once and call it done! Keep the protection lasting through everyday use. Use coasters to avoid water rings and stains, or buy a table protector for your wooden dining room table.
4. Polish
Adding polish to your wood furnishing gives them a glossy finished look. Not only that, but polishing can reduce the amount of dust that’s collected on the wood and resists scratching. The polish can also act as a small barrier between water and the wood itself.
5. Wood Preservative
A wood preservative works to combat fungus, which can grow due to excess moisture. If you live in a particularly humid environment, this might be feasible to protect your wood from further damage.
6. Ventilation
Because the risk of water damage to wood is so high, you’ll want to keep your wooden belongings in a place where there’s adequate ventilation. This helps air out any additional moisture that might be lurking.
7. Paste Wax
Paste wax is the other way to keep your wood protected. Paste wax has a creamy texture that you can apply directly to the wood, and it will repel dust and moisture as well. As you apply with a cloth, you’ll notice it leaves behind a glossy finish, though some woodworker believes synthetic materials do a better job protecting the wood.
Some paste wax can be thick, so try to avoid a liberal application. If you do use too much, you can remove it via synthetic turpentine, but avoid natural turpentine for it will be too sticky.
8. Stay Out of The Sun
UV rays from the sun have a tendency to lighten furniture and wood is subject to lightning as well. If possible, keep your wooden pieces away from direct sunlight to keep their beautiful natural color.
How Often Should I Polish My Wood?
When it comes to frequency of polishing the wood, it really depends upon how often it’s used, and what for. For example, a dining room table might get daily use, while a decorative end table sits quietly, untouched in the den.
The dining room table would need more care because it’s used often. As we clean wood, it loses its shine and polish, so repeating the cleaning and waxing is more frequent. But the end table would do fine with a weekly dusting and polishing only when needed.
You’ll know it’s time to polish by the loss of the sheen finish. The table might appear dull and dingy, which signals that it’s time to wax and polish.
Ready to Polish and Protect Your Wood?
When you think about how to preserve your wood, remember that it’s worth the time and effort. Well-maintained wood can last for generations to come if it’s properly loved and cared for.
Are you looking for more ways to take care of your home? Our page has everything you’re looking for. Visit us today!
