How to Protect Your Reclaimed Wood Furniture

Once you have a piece of rustic reclaimed furniture made from reclaimed wood, you’ll want to do your best to maintain it and keep it in the best condition possible. Thankfully, it’s not that hard! Most of it is common sense.

Protect Your Reclaimed Wood By Removing Dust and Water

Remove dust, dirt, and moisture from rustic reclaimed furniture. This buildup is terrible for maintaining reclaimed wood. We recommend wiping with a soft cloth, dusting, and vacuuming around it at least once a week. Clean any food and water that comes in contact with the reclaimed wood as well. Oils from food can cause staining if it sits too long, and the liquid could warp and discolor it. Also, don’t let hot tableware come into contact with the furniture either. The excess heat will lead to further damage, so use hot pads.

Use Natural Cleaners To Sustain Reclaimed Wood

Clean your furniture every week with a soft, damp cloth. Please stay away from chemical cleaners; they will damage your reclaimed wood and leave a residue that causes dust to cling to the table.  Avoid using ammonia as it will ultimately damage the reclaimed wood when used. You can combine water and vinegar as a natural cleaner.

Place Your Rustic Reclaimed Furniture In Shaded Areas

Constant direct sunlight can be tough on any piece of furniture, including reclaimed wood pieces.  Sustained direct sunlight may cause the texture to slowly change along with the color, hue, and patina of the reclaimed wood.  The wood will gradually fade and discolor, losing its character and integrity. The heat from the direct sunlight can dry the reclaimed wood out, cracking the wood and finish. Please use blinds and curtains to block out any sunlight during the brightest part of the day.

Place Rustic Reclaimed Furniture In An Optimal Humid Room

If you purchase (or make) furniture made from reclaimed wood, you must be aware of the humidity and dryness of the room you place the furniture in. Rooms that are hot and dry can cause the reclaimed wood to split and crack. Humid and wet rooms will expand the wood and cause it to deteriorate. During humid seasons, like Spring and Summer, opt to have a dehumidifier ready just if the home becomes too humid. During the dry seasons, fall and winter, use a humidifier to keep the room at optimal moisture levels.

Cleaning your furniture shouldn’t be complicated, but if you want to maintain the character and integrity of rustic reclaimed furniture, you should remember these tips.

Looking to add a few more rustic, wooded elements to your home? Contact us to get started on designing your dream space inspired by natural elements.