When it comes to quality, there’s nothing quite like a good piece of solid wood furniture. This durable, beautiful furniture can last for generations as long as you know how to practice proper care. After visiting our solid wood furniture store in Alexandria, you may wonder how you can maintain your new furnishings. Read on for a list of seven tips that will help you take care of your new wood furniture, so it lasts for many years to come.

1. Be Mindful of Beverages

Avoid leaving pesky drink rings behind on your solid wood furniture with coasters. Always use a coaster when you set a glass or mug down on the wood, or else the moisture can leave permanent discoloration behind. Never place hot food directly on the furniture, and always protect it with a potholder or trivet. A placement or tablecloth can help to prevent spills and stains.

2. Keep it Away from Heat

Too much exposure to sunlight or direct heat can cause serious damage to your solid wood chairs and other furniture. Keep your furniture away from vents, fireplaces, and open windows. The UV rays from the sun along with too much heat can cause your beautiful wood furniture to fade.

3. Dust Whenever You Can

Tiny dust particles can create a layer on top of your furniture that may scratch the surface if it’s not removed. Try to dust solid wood tables and other furniture often to prevent too much of it from sitting on top of your tables, cabinets, and chairs. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a cotton t-shirt so you don’t damage the furniture even further. A lambswool duster is great to reach those crevices and hard to get to areas.

4. Use the Right Cleaning Products

When cleaning your solid wood furniture, use a wet cloth with a small amount of mild dish detergent. Many all-purpose cleaners can damage the finish of the wood, so make sure you only use products specifically designed for wood furniture when cleaning. Rinse the soap and cleaning solutions away with a damp cloth, then dry the furniture immediately using a fresh, dry cloth so it doesn’t seep into the finish.

5. Keep it Protected

To keep your furniture beautiful, treat it with a wood polish or oil for a fresh, shiny finish. This treatment won’t just make your furniture shine, it will also add a layer of protection to it. Only use a small amount of the polish or oil and don’t allow buildup to sit or it may leave a dull, sticky film behind. Buff the protectant using a soft cloth, and never use anything with wax on solid wood.

6. Fix Scratches

If your furniture gets a scratch, make it disappear with a quality scratch repair kit. Look for a liquid polish in the same color to restore your furniture to its original glory. Follow the instructions carefully and don’t apply too much or it may cause discoloration.

7. Freshen it Up

To make your solid wood furniture smell great, sprinkle it with baking soda and then gently rub it off. You can also add charcoal to dresser drawers to help absorb nasty odors. If your furniture needs to air out, simply place it outside in a shaded area for an hour or two. Never leave your furniture in direct sunlight.