Wood looks good as it gets older but only with adequate care and maintenance.
Wooden floors, furniture, cupboards, and other accessories can get scratched easily. It cannot handle moisture and get warped with time if exposed to our natural elements. However, wooden things can last for a lifetime with proper care.
Here we provide you with some wood care tips. A few preventive measures for your interior can save you from major repairs in the future.
Wooden Flooring
One of the important parts of maintaining the beauty of your wooden floor is to protect it from getting unwanted damages. If you see any spills, please wipe them away immediately. Initially, the top layer of oil or lacquer protects the floor for some time but if you leave the liquid to soak into this wood then it may lead to irreparable damage.
Another thing you should take care of is scratches and dents. Tiny marks or indentations cannot be avoided but there are a few things you can prevent like deeper or large scratches. Do not wear footwear on the wooden floor, especially outdoor footwear. If you see any tiny particle on the floor, remove it straight away.
You can also avoid keeping heavy furniture or objects that may cause scratches. Try to pick such objects and move rather than dragging them. Anti-scratch protector pads are available, kept on the bottom of your furniture. It will be a soft barrier in between the heavy object and the wooden floor.
How to Clean
Cleaning a wooden floor is simple, sweep the surface area using any soft brush. If possible do it every day to remove all small dust or dirt. A vacuum cleaner is also a good option but does not forget to attach a wooden-friendly attachment to clean. For wiping, use microfibre mops and cleaning spray. They work gently on wooden floors.
Warning signs
Wood may react dramatically to humidity and temperature. Therefore, it is important to have a check on the surroundings of the floor. Too much moisture around the floor is not good. Eliminate such sources completely before they cup up. Extreme heat induces cracks and splits in the wood. A humidifier is the best option, the air will contain moisture allowing the floor to settle down.
Wooden Panelling
Paneling is stunning to see on the wall. To clean it, use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to dust it. Then mix half a cup of mild soap in a bucket of warm water and dip a clean soft sponge into the solution and clean the wall. Take some plain warm water in another bucket and dip the sponge into it. Wring the sponge and wipe the wall again to remove soap residentials. Lastly, wipe the wall using a dry microfiber cloth. Do not overdo this process, follow it once or twice a month.
Doors and cupboards
Real wood doors have a layer of lacquer or varnish. It helps to protect the wood from moisture that causes cracks and discoloration. Soapy water works for doors and cupboards also. Do not forget to wipe and dry the wood afterward using any non-abrasive towel. Also, wipe any food or grease found on the doors. Don't allow them to stay for a long time because they can leave marks after drying.
Furniture
There is no denying that when it comes to beauty and comfort, wooden chairs or sofas take a lead. Wooden dining tables are the ones everyone wishes to have at their home. As the material is prone to wrap, try to avoid much exposure to sunlight or water. With a damp cloth, you can clean the dirt and grimes easily.
Regular dusting is necessary to keep all wooden things in good condition. You can reapply polish or wax once it wears out. Care and maintenance of wood are not that easy, but those who like the natural charm of wood can make every effort to look after it.
