5 Tips on how to care for your wood dining set

Wood is a timeless material that adds warmth and character to any home. From hardwood floors to wooden furniture, there's no denying the beauty of wood. However, to ensure that your wood remains in good condition for years to come, it's important to know how to properly clean and care for it.

At Hardman Design, we understand the importance of quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices when it comes to designing and building wood furniture, including mid century modern dining table sets. That's why our team of experts uses only the finest materials and techniques to create beautiful, long-lasting pieces that you'll love for years to come.

In this article, we'll cover some essential tips on how to clean and maintain handcrafted furniture, including mid century modern dining table sets, and how to avoid stains and blemishes. We'll also share some general do's and don'ts for owning a wood dining set.

Tips on how to clean wood.

Clean Away Spills -

1. One of the most important tips for cleaning wood is to clean away spills as soon as possible. Spills can cause stains or damage to the wood if they are left to sit for too long. To clean up spills, use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the area gently. Avoid rubbing the spill, as this can cause it to spread or become more deeply ingrained in the wood.

Dust Regularly -

1. Regular dusting is also essential for keeping wood clean. Dust can scratch the surface of the wood, and it can also attract and hold onto dirt and other debris. To dust wood, use a soft cloth or dusting tool and gently wipe down the surface of the wood.

Remove Heavy Grime -

1. If your wood furniture has heavy grime buildup, you may need to use a specialized cleaner to remove it. Look for a cleaner that is designed specifically for use on wood furniture, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Deep Cleaning of Wood Furniture -

1. Periodically, you may need to deep clean your wood furniture to remove dirt, stains, or other buildup. Here are two ways you can deep clean your wood furniture:

a. Make Black Tea Solution -

aTo make a black tea solution for cleaning wood, steep several tea bags in a pot of hot water for several minutes. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then dip a soft cloth in the tea and use it to wipe down the surface of the wood. The tannins in the tea can help to remove dirt and grime, and it can also help to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

b. Clean With Mineral Spirits -

Mineral spirits are a type of solvent that can be used to clean and restore wood furniture. To use mineral spirits to clean wood, apply a small amount of the solvent to a soft cloth and gently wipe down the surface of the wood. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as mineral spirits can be flammable and should be used in a well-ventilated area.

1. To help maintain the natural lustre and beauty of wood, consider using natural oils to polish the surface. These oils can help nourish and protect the wood, and give it a beautiful, natural shine. Popular natural oils for polishing wood include olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax.

Cleaning and caring for wood is essential to maintaining its beauty and longevity. By following these tips, you can ensure that your wood furniture and floors stay in top condition for years to come.

How to maintain the wood

Maintaining the wood of your furniture is essential to ensure its longevity and durability. Here are some key points to consider for maintaining the wood of your furniture:

1. Apply Furniture Polish: Applying furniture polish helps to keep the wood looking shiny and new. This also helps to protect the wood from scratches and stains.
2. Cover Your Furniture: Using furniture covers can protect your furniture from dust, dirt, and other debris that can scratch or damage the surface. This is especially important for outdoor furniture.
3. Handle Carefully: When moving or rearranging furniture, handle it carefully to avoid damaging the wood. Use protective padding or covers to avoid scratches.
4. Oil as Needed: To keep your wooden dining set looking its best, it's important to maintain it with regular care. One important tip is to apply oil as needed to prevent the wood from drying out and developing cracks. Protect your wooden dining set from damage and keep it looking new with Osmo Polyx Oil - a high-quality blend of natural oils and waxes that penetrates deep into the wood to provide maximum protection and maintain its natural beauty.
5. Keep Wood Smelling Fresh: Wood furniture can develop musty or stale odors over time. Using a wood cleaner with a pleasant scent or placing cedar chips in drawers and cabinets can help to keep the wood smelling fresh.

Read - How To Choose The Best Wood For Dining Tables

Stains and blemishes on furniture can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Here are 10 tips on how to avoid stains and blemishes on your furniture:

How to avoid stains and blemishes

1. Use coasters: Place coasters under glasses and cups to prevent rings from forming on wood surfaces.
2. Avoid direct contact with hot items: Use trivets or hot pads under hot dishes and pans to avoid heat marks on the wood.
3. Wipe up spills immediately: Accidents happen, but it's important to clean up spills quickly to prevent them from seeping into the wood and causing stains.
4. Use placemats: Placemats can protect wood surfaces from scratches and other damage caused by plates, utensils, and other items.
5. Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause wood to fade or discolor over time. To avoid this, position furniture away from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to block the sunlight.
6. Use tablecloths: Tablecloths can protect wood surfaces from scratches and other damage caused by dishes and utensils.
7. Avoid harsh cleaners: Harsh cleaners can damage the wood's finish, causing it to fade or discolor. Instead, use mild cleaners that are specifically designed for wood furniture.
8. Test cleaning products first: Before using a new cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture to make sure it doesn't cause damage.
9. Use furniture covers: Furniture covers can protect wood furniture from dust, dirt, and other debris that can scratch the surface. This is especially important for outdoor furniture.
10. Handle furniture with care: When moving or rearranging furniture, handle it carefully to avoid damaging the wood. Use protective padding or covers to avoid scratches.

General do's and don'ts of having a wood dining set

By following these tips, you can help avoid stains and blemishes on your furniture, keeping it looking beautiful for years to come.

1. Clean the table regularly with a soft, damp cloth to avoid the buildup of dirt and grime.
2. Use coasters or placemats to protect the surface of the table from scratches, water rings, and other damage.
3. Use a tablecloth or table runner to protect the table during meals or when entertaining guests.
4. Keep the table away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to avoid damage to the wood.
5. Apply furniture polish or wax to the table periodically to maintain the finish and protect the wood.
6. Use mild soap and water to clean spills immediately to avoid staining the wood.
7. Dust the table regularly to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated.

Don'ts:

1. Don't use abrasive cleaners, chemicals, or solvents on the table as they can damage the wood's finish.
2. Don't place hot items directly on the table, as this can cause heat damage to the wood.
3. Don't use rough or scratchy materials to clean the table, as this can scratch the wood's surface.
4. Don't use vinegar or lemon juice to clean the table, as these can cause damage to the wood's finish.
5. Don't expose the table to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack.
6. Don't allow spills to sit on the table for extended periods of time, as this can cause staining or damage to the wood.
7. Don't use oil or oil-based products on the table, as they can attract dirt and dust and cause buildup over time.

In conclusion, maintaining the beauty and durability of your wood furniture requires some effort and knowledge on how to clean and care for it properly. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your wood dining set looking its best for years to come. Remember to dust regularly, use a gentle cleaner, wipe in the direction of the grain, keep your furniture out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, use coasters and placemats, and clean up spills immediately. By following these simple steps, you can avoid stains and blemishes and prevent damage to your wood furniture.

If you're in the market for a new wood dining set or other wood furniture, consider checking out Hardman Design.

Our high-quality, handcrafted wood furniture is designed to last for generations and is made with sustainable materials and practices. We offer a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, and our team of experts can help you choose the perfect size piece for your home. Plus, with our commitment to customer satisfaction and exceptional service, you can shop with confidence. Visit our website today to browse our selection and start planning your perfect dining set.