Five Ways To Maintain Oak Furniture

Oak furniture, like an oak sideboard, can cost anywhere from $200 to $5000. But given its resilience, any homeowner would find it a good investment to splurge on oak home wares. However, with poor maintenance, the lifetime expectation for these kinds of fixtures may dwindle down to a few years, and maybe even just a few months. It would be such a shame to waste that much money, and not be able to maximize its shelf life. Don't let other people's mistakes be your own when buying oak tables and chairs. Here are some tips regarding upkeep and cleaning.

1. When cleaning oak surfaces from spillage, it is best to use a dry cloth and let it soak up the liquid for a while. And for the remaining dampness, use another dry rag to prevent watermarks and stains. If dealing with dust, you have to observe the same protocol and dust at least once a week to avoid the wood from getting dull.

2. To give oak that shiny exterior, you can use linseed or lemon oil to polish the surface, or buy furniture products that are especially made for this substance. Just stay clear of those made of harsh chemicals, as they could leave stains. Organic would be a much better choice. There are touch up kits which you can also buy from stores that are specifically made to help you keep your colored oak tables and chairs in tip top shape. But, you have to read the instructions carefully before you apply, so you do not risk damaging the exterior. It would also be best if you adapt a schedule for polishing your fixtures, so that they are easier to maintain.

3. If you use it to display ornaments or eat food from, it would be best to use placemats and coasters beneath them, so you prevent those items from scratching and leaving marks on the surface.

4. For crayon marks, rub paste made of baking soda and water on the affected area and wait for 2 to 5 minutes before you remove it with a damp sponge. That should take away the out-of-place texture without causing surface degradation. If you want, you can also use mayonnaise. Do this repeatedly if the results are not achieved right away.

5. Don't place your oak sideboard or cabinet in direct exposure to the sun or nearby radiators. The heat may cause the structure of the wood to wear down. Moreover, it might also influence its radiance. If you can't avoid placing it away from windows, make sure to cover it with a mantle, so that heat contact will be minimized.

If you are facing big maintenance problems for your oak furniture, like bite marks and termite infestation, you should approach restoration teams to replace or modify your furniture before things get worse. They may cost a bit more than the previously given interventions. But, if you'd like to keep your belongings in pristine condition, you should take action the minute you notice something wrong.