Wood is one of the most used natural resources. We create homes, railways, and other structures using different woods. So, knowing how to keep woods healthy and protected from weakening is extremely important. There are many industrial and commercial ways to preserve the wood that you come in contact with. This article will focus on home structures and furniture.
Do’s
- Minimize exposure to moisture and sunlight. Moisture leads to rot and fungi growth, which weakens wood and can be harmful to human health. The ultraviolet light in sunlight can damage wood’s lignin, an organic component of its makeup that keeps the wood cells strong.
- Clean and dust with a dry rag or microfiber cloth. This goes for home décor and furniture. Sweep wood floors and decks with soft-bristled brooms, or better yet, vacuum them. Dust and debris can hold moisture or pests that can harm the wood, so it is good to dust and sweep regularly.
- Treat woods with oil when they are dry. This is the easiest way to preserve wood furniture, floors, outdoor furniture and decks, cooking utensils, etc. There are many commercial products that can protect wood and lots of DIY concoctions as well. Oiling wood furnishings help protect them from moisture and dust mites. Do so with a clean microfiber cloth when the wood looks dull and or cracked. Oil and polish patios and outdoor furniture more regularly because they get the most exposure to the sunlight and humidity.
- Wipe up excess oil and polish with an oiled cloth. Leftover oils and polishes can become sticky messes when they dry and become discolored.
- Keep up with maintenance. In addition to regularly keeping your wood pieces dust-free, regularly maintain them by applying polyurethane, polish, painting, etc. to prevent moisture, pests, and fungi from damaging the wood. Cover floors and outdoor furniture with area rugs and durable tarps to protect them from wear, scratching, and dulling.
<h2> Don’ts </h2>
- Use harsh chemicals on woods. Make sure you are cleaning your wood products with the appropriate cleaners. Refrain from mopping with bleach and other harsh detergents because they can strip the floors of their protective stains and polyurethane. The same goes for furniture. The oils and polishes will be stripped from them and expose your pieces to moisture and dust.
- Mop floors with soaking wet equipment. Remember that water and moisture are enemies to wood and lead to pest infestation, fungi and mold growth, and wood decay. Microfiber flat mops clean without leaving a lot of water on the floor. Steam mops and vacuum mops are good as well because they leave little moisture, and the floors dry very quickly.
- Leave imperfections alone. Use wood fillers to fix holes, dents, scratches, etc. before they splinter. Moisture can get into those tiny spaces and become homes for pests, mites, and fungi, which will destroy the wood.
- Wing maintenance. If you don’t know how to maintain your home’s wood pieces, consult the manufacturer or an expert to find the best practices. A good Google search can probably answer a lot of questions as well.
Exposed solid wood beams, vintage furniture, and hardwood floors are loved elements of homes. They bring a sense of coziness, nature, and warmth to our dwellings. Use the advice in this article to keep the woods in your home looking, and working at, its best.
