Get rid of pesky water spots on your wood
furniture by allowing the spots to dry completely, then rubbing real mayonnaise onto it
with a soft cloth, until the spots disappear. Erase color rings left on tables by cups and
glasses with a homemade mixture of cigarette ashes and cooking oil. Prep the stain first
by scrubbing it with an abrasive pad or sandpaper. Then, rub the oil and ash concoction
into the wood. And what about candle wax, marring
the beautiful finish of your wood dining room table? Wait until the wax cools, then apply
ice. Once the wax becomes extremely hard and brittle, gently scrape it off with a plastic
spatula. Finally, polish the table with a rich cream polish, and buff away any residue.
Remove or Disguise Scratches and
Stains
Problem: Solution:
Nicks, Scratches Magic Marker or Shoe Polish
Water Spots Mayonnaise
Color Rings Sandpaper, Ashes and Oil
Wax Ice
An Ounce of Prevention, a Lifetime
of Protection
Prevent serious damage to your wood furniture by taking
care not to position it in direct sunlight. Unless you are going for the weathered picnic
table look, shield all wood furniture from the drying influence of the sun. Also, protect
your dining room table’s finish using an inexpensive table pad when the table is not
in use.
When eating a meal or entertaining guests, use a
tablecloth or placemats to protect the finish of a wood table, especially when serving hot
food. Place hot serving dishes atop a hot pad and candle holders over a large felt
protector with a plastic top, since plastic prevents wax from running.
Use coasters beneath all glasses and mugs to protect your
coffee table, dining room table and wood dressers from unsightly rings and water spots.
Beware, because not all coasters are created equal. Metal coasters can sweat onto the
wood, and plastic coasters can react with certain finishes on some wood furniture pieces.
So consider choosing wooden coasters with felt backing and a waterproof material on top to
further ensure the longevity of your wood table tops. The best coasters are those that
taper up on the sides, preventing leakage.
Protect Your Wood Tables from
Damage
Protect From: With:
General Harm Table Pad (when not in use)
Sun Damage Location out of Direct line of Sun
Heat Damage Tablecloths, Placemats, Hot Pads
Wax Felt Protector with Plastic Top
Water Damage Wood Coasters with Felt Bottom and Waterproof top
Proper Care and Cleaning
Polishing wood furniture every week goes a long way toward
protecting the finish from damage and helping your wood tables, chairs and dressers look
their best. Beware, though, of cheap polishes, or any polish that contains silicone or
alcohol. Alcohol can do permanent damage to a wood surface, as can any household cleaner
that contains ammonia. An excellent polish can be easily made at home, by combining lemon
oil with 3 parts olive oil.
Now that you know about polishes, don’t forget to
clean your wood furniture as well. Regular cleaning is especially important for coffee
tables and dining room tables where food and drink are daily staples. Use a very mild
soap, such as a diluted mixture of hand soap and water, as a cleaning agent for your wood
furniture. And if you really want to ensure your dining room table or heirloom wood desk
stays beautiful, have your wood furniture buffed and polished by a professional service
once or twice a year.
Make Your Own Polish and Cleaning
Agents
Type: Mixture:
Homemade Wood Furniture Polish = 1 part Lemon Oil + 3 parts Olive Oil
Homemade Wood Furniture Cleaner = Hand Soap + Water
*Stay away from Alcohols and Ammonias
Now you are fully armed to properly care for your wood
furniture. And don’t be disheartened if you are unable to make a nick or small stain
disappear completely. Signs of use can add character to a piece of wood furniture, and are
often barely noticeable. Whether it is a dresser, coffee table, bookshelf, desk, or dining
room table, wood furniture is the perfect addition to any home.
http://www.homeandliving.com/DesignAdvice.aspx?Category=WoodCare
