We believe that once you invest in a piece of furniture, it should last you a lifetime. Whilst quality materials and expert craftsmanship are extremely important, how you treat your homeware will play a big part in its longevity.
Check out our top tips on how to care for your wooden furniture, to ensure it stands the test of time.
Choose the right cleaning products
Whether it’s a coffee spill, food stain, or a set of muddy paw prints - accidents happen. The products you use to clean up spills or stains on your wooden furniture are important for retaining the quality of the piece for years to come.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that contain ammonia, bleach, or other strong detergents, as they can damage the wood. Instead, opt for milder products such as specific wood cleaner, or a mix of water and mild soap.
Avoid direct sunlight
As much as we love an interior that bathes everything in lots of gorgeous sunshine, too much exposure to sunlight can have a negative impact on your wooden furniture. It can cause your furniture to warp and fade in colour over time. Take this into consideration when you are planning the layout of your home.
If you’re working with a space that attracts a lot of sun exposure throughout the day, using curtains or blinds to relieve some of those rays could be a good compromise.
Protect from damp and mould
In the UK our homes are more prone to damp and mould issues than other countries due to our cooler, wetter climate. Excess moisture in the air can lead to mould growth, warping of furniture and eventually resulting in rot.
However, there are many ways you can prevent this from happening, and stay on top of the damp. Keeping a consistent airflow in your home, using a dehumidifier, and leaving a small gap between your piece of furniture and the wall will minimise the risk of having any serious problems. If you spot any mould on your furniture, wipe it away immediately and address the cause using one of the tips just mentioned.
Moving and handling
If you need to move your furniture, be wary of how you are handling your pieces to ensure you don’t do any lasting damage. Make sure you are lifting and not dragging furniture across the floor, to avoid weakening the joints or causing surface damage to both the item you’re moving and the floor.
Store outdoor furniture properly
For wooden outdoor furniture, keep it covered or stored indoors when you’re not using it, to preserve the quality and protect from rain or sun damage. Whilst this furniture is designed to live outside, to get the most out of your investment, it’s best to take good care of these pieces.
Add a new lick of paint
Over time, wear and tear is to be expected. To keep your furniture items looking pristine and as good as new for decades to come, add an extra lick of paint from time to time. Whether that’s a quick touch up or a brand new colour, we offer a refurbishment service on all Benton Furniture, because our pieces are hand-crafted for life.
Comments