Wood adds a timeless classic vibe to every home.
Whether it is wooden work surfaces in the kitchen or paneling in the sitting room, wood makes every home feel comfy and warm.
With more modern designs, this hasn’t changed. Many people are now choosing lighter woods like ash for their kitchen to brighten them up while also looking post-modern. Or, for a darker modern theme, mahogany is being chosen for home furnishings.
However, wood is a natural material. As such, it is prone to rotting, damage, and pests if it is not maintained. Moreover, pests are the last thing you want in your home!
So, whether it is a countertop or part of your home’s décor, how can you keep wood looking its best for longer? Here, this question and many more are answered.
Dusting
To keep any wood in your home in good condition, you will need to dust it, especially if it has a layer of varnish on it.
Often overlooked in household chores, dusting of wood is important to keep it free of damage. Dust, if left unremoved, can cause a film to build up underneath it. This can scratch the wood, which is not a good look.
Light dustings of your wooden surfaces or décor are necessary to prevent this. If you live in a home with someone who has asthma, this is also vital to prevent allergies. To prevent spreading dust when you clean the wood, use a wet cloth or a microfibre cloth. To prevent the wood from rotting, dry any excess moisture off with a towel.
Pest-prevention
If you love wood in your home, chances are you have more than a couple of bits of décor made from it. If you are looking to add décor, sites like Old Glory Rustic Sign Co. can offer a range of options to spruce up your home.
If you already have some wooden items as the centerpieces of your rooms, then you need to keep them pest-free. Depending on where you live, termites can be a big issue.
How do you check for termites? Does the wood sound hollow? Are there cracks in the wood? There may also be wings around the wood, cast off from the termites. If you suspect a termite infestation, call an exterminator.
To prevent termites from eating your wood, there are some preventative measures you can take. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
Termites love decay and damp, so ensure that any leaks in your home are fixed. It is also worth decluttering. Clutter can provide places for termites to hide and breed without interruption. It is also worth investing in borate spray. Clean your wooden accessories with this, as it is a termite repellent.
Cleaning
Depending on where they are located in your home, your wooden accessories may get dirty.
While you may think it is a case of adding water and cleaning stains off, this can be problematic. Water on untreated wood can cause rot and damp patches. As mentioned before, water and wood are two of the favorite things of termites, which you will want to avoid.
A cleaner designed for wood sparingly applied is the best way to remove stains. Use a dry cloth to apply it and wipe away any moisture. Most of these cleaners are oil-based. This protects the wood by making it slippery. So, it is harder for dust and damp to settle.
Do not use olive oil when cleaning wood. It smears and attracts dust. Always use an oil-based cleaner designed for keeping wood looking fresh, rather than one that adds taste to your food!If the stains are still not coming off, it may be worth calling a professional for help.
Repair
On occasion, wooden furniture or décor becomes damaged, especially if it is part of a kitchen or is a dining room table.
It can be easy to leave a crack in your table. But this can attract dust, dust mites, termites, and damp. So, to prevent these issues and to keep the wood looking new, it needs repairing.
There are many ways to do this. Depending on the depth of the damage, you could use a paste wax to conceal the crack. If the issue is deeper, a wax stick from your local Home Depot store can be useful. Be sure that it is color-matched to the wood before applying.
For surface scratches, it can be worth using a sander or some sandpaper to buff them off.
The sanding of wood is also recommended for removing mold and damp. Are you unsure about removing scratches or dents from your wooden surface or décor? Call a professional for advice.That way, you can be sure that the finish will be striking!
Varnish
Varnish may be the easiest way to give your wooden fireplace a makeover.
Varnish allows you to highlight grooves in the wood naturally, hence why this option is so popular in more rustic homes. Varnish also works with wood as a protective layer. Like the polish, it makes the wood slippery. Thus, it is harder for dust to attach or for termites to bore into!
Depending on the type of wood, there are different suitable varnishes. This is because the varnish or finish on wood differs based on the varnish applied. It may be penetrative or surface.
If you have a less porous wood, like pine, cedar, or redwood, applying a penetrative finish can be pointless, as it simply won’t absorb. So, a surface varnish would be the prime way to refresh the wood and make it look new. As before, it can be easy to get this wrong if you are not familiar with wood types. Thus, it may be easier to contact a professional decorator for some tips.
Varnish needs to be reapplied every six to twelve months. This depends on where the wood is located and what it is used for. Kitchen surfaces often have heavy usage, so they need the most stringent upkeep. That way, they will last longer and look great!
