However modern or quirky your home may be, it's inevitable that most houses have at least one piece of real wood furniture, be it something you've purchased yourself, or which has been handed down to you by family. Here, we help you decide how best to look after your wooden furniture, especially during the monsoon.



Rakeshh Jeswaani Interiors



Be weather conscious

Changing weather conditions take a toll on any type of wood. It is important to know how to protect your precious pieces, come rain or shine. In the summer, avoid direct sunlight reaching the furniture by keeping the blinds closed whenever possible. The sun's harsh UV rays tend to discolour pieces and cause unwanted cracking over time. The monsoon is when wood can be at its weakest, so make sure your furniture is kept dry and away from moisture.

Expert Tip – Move all wooden pieces at least a foot away from the walls to prevent mould and fungus build-up. In the winter, take the furniture outside if you can to let it air out, or place it near your largest window where there is the most breeze.





Black & Decker Ultrasonic Humidifier - Picture Source

Another way to avoid shrinking or splits in the wood due to dry heat is by maintaining even humidity in the room. This can be achieved by investing in a dehumidifier.

Wood needs TLC as well

One needs to protect and take care of wooden furniture as they would any other piece. For example, “be careful with alcohol spills, as even the mildest alcohol will discolour the polish or paint on the wooden surface. The same goes for cigarettes and cigars; a burn mark is impossible to clean off,” says Rakeshh Jeswaani, an interiors architect who runs his eponymous firm out of Mumbai. A regular routine of waxing and polishing goes a long way in protecting wood’s natural shine. Use a protective spray that will act as a sealant against moisture absorption. For modular cabinets, try moisture-resistant glue instead.

Expert Tip: Most wooden furniture has parts that are joined to one another and these joints tend to loosen if the furniture is handled roughly. So, avoid dragging tables, rocking dining chairs back and forth, or putting too much weight on a wooden item.



Furniture Wax Polish - Picture Source

Get inspired by nature

The best thing for your precious wooden furniture is to reduce the use of chemicals and water as much as possible. Do away with using a wet cloth when cleaning and replace it with a gentle feather duster instead. “Also consider how your plants and flowers are interacting with your wooden furniture. Ensure that you aren’t placing lots of pots and plants on wooden tables as this will lead to erosion and decay,” adds Jeswaani.



Expert Tip - Keep insects away by placing a few neem leaves or cloves in cupboards and cabinets. If you are in the habit of placing indoor plants on wooden surfaces, make sure you have a protective coaster underneath. Even if water doesn’t fall on the wood, the consistent coolness and moisture of the pot will damage it. The same goes for an item that will consistently generate heat.



Let go of old habits

It is tempting to treat wooden furniture like any other item you have in your home, but you must remember it is far from any ordinary material. Avoid buying lightweight wood even if it is less expensive. The overall thickness of the wood matters in the long run. Do not leave wet clothes or other damp items on these pieces of furniture for too long, as this can lead to the development of fungus. Keep all nail polishes, perfumes, alcohol-based substances and other chemicals far away from wooden furniture, as this can lead to irreparable damage in certain situations.

Special attention

Of course, be sensitive to the treatment of the wood. It will ultimately determine how much care it requires. Painted wood needs a gentle washing liquid applied to it, to remove any grease stains. For stained wood, a duster is sufficient. Unsealed wood will require a wash with a soapy liquid solution on cloth (never directly) Wipe off with a dry cloth. Treat tough spots on varnished wood with a spray polish. A veneer wood finishing is delicate, and might need a synthetic coating before it is cleaned with a damp cloth.





Method, Wood For Good Polish, Almond - Picture Source

It sounds like a lot of work, but if done correctly, caring for your wood furniture can save you a lot of time, money, and effort over the years. Wood is naturally long-lasting and can last generations when maintained in the right way.

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