As discussed in our last blog, solid wood dining room furniture is an investment that, if cared for properly, should last for years. While solid wood furniture sets are built to last, their lifespan is dependent on how you care for them and the environment you keep the dining set in.

How to Clean and Protect Wood Furniture

Dust your dining room furniture at least once a week. This will keep dust particles from building up. A slightly damp lint-free soft cloth will do the job. Be careful not to use excess water, which can damage wood! Also steer clear of dusting with silicone-based cleaning sprays, which can attract dirt or leave a sticky finish.

Polish your dining room set one to two times per year. Before you begin polishing, make sure the surface of your dining room table is free of dust. Regardless of whether you use oil or wax-based polishes, make sure you wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood whenever possible.

Here are two recipes for homemade furniture polish recommended by the DIY Network. After determining what type of finish is on your wood, choose the appropriate formula below:

• Recipe #1: 1 cup mineral oil, 3 drops lemon oil or extract
• Recipe #2: 2 oz. grated beeswax, 5 oz. turpentine
• Recipe #3: 1 cup olive oil, ¼ cup white vinegar

Recipes #1 and #2 can be stored in plastic containers. Recipe #3 should be mixed in a spray bottle. Always remember to spray or pour the solution onto a cloth, never directly onto your wood dining room furniture.

In our next blog post we’ll discuss creating a hospitable home environment for your dining room furniture.