Wooden furniture drying out: Housekeeping tips

Wooden furniture can be almost timeless - but only if you take good care of it.

If you don't then it can dry out and become brittle, like dry skin - so it can break easily.

Here are a few things that you can do to prevent that from happening.

Keep It Away from Direct Sunlight

Too much sunlight can dry out wood. Try to place your furniture away from direct sunlight or use curtains to block the sun.

Control Humidity

Wood likes a bit of moisture. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. 

This helps prevent the wood from drying out.

Use Furniture Polish or Oil

You can buy special furniture polish or oil made for wood.

Apply this to your furniture to keep the wood hydrated and looking nice. Follow the instructions on the product.

Clean Gently

When you clean your wooden furniture, be gentle. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dust and dirt. 

Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip away natural oils.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Keep your furniture away from extreme hot or cold temperatures, as these can cause the wood to expand and contract, which may lead to cracking.

Use Coasters and Placemats

Put coasters under cups and placemats under dishes to protect the wood from moisture and heat damage.

Conclusion

To protect your furniture from drying out, you should retain the moisture and natural oils. 

Protect it from sunlight and use special polish or oil to keep it strong and lasting.
 

• Related news:
• furniture
• wood
• materials
• maintenance
• tips
• 20 September 2023

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