Buying furniture made of natural wood is not only a positive step toward greater respect for nature, but it is also good for your health.Indoor air pollution—caused primarily by the chemical treatments used on most furniture—is a matter of concern. Majorhealth agencies areincreasinglyaddressingthis issue.
Every piece of wooden furniture requires specialcare tomaximizeitslifespanand preserve itsaesthetic appeal. It is better to use natural products, which are just as effective as synthetic ones and have the significant advantage of not negatively impacting your indoor air quality.
In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to care for your wooden furniture to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Why is it important to protect wood naturally?
Wood is a Precious Materials, whose most important characteristic is its exceptional durability. Wood is a living material, and it ages quite slowly when properly cared for. It is considered environmentally friendly because its processing less energy is required compared to conventional materials. In addition, its Low carbon footprint. Wood is also a renewable resource. Die FSC- or PEFC Seal - As with the solid wood we use for our Kipli furniture, we guarantee its traceability. This means that the wood we use comes from sustainably managed forests. New trees are planted to replace those that have been cut down. In this way, wood remains an inexhaustible resource.
So wood is a worthwhile investment. It is completely natural when processed and maintained using healthy products. It does not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To preserve this natural and eco-friendly appearance, you should maintain it with products that have similar properties.
When exposed to scratches, bumps, and liquids, there are quick and affordable solutions to deal with these everyday mishaps.
Which natural products are best for which types of furniture?
A. The Basic Rules
Depending on the type of wood, the panel, and the surface finish, the care required for a piece of furniture may vary. However, there are a few basic steps that are a good place to start, beginning with dusting the furniture before a more thorough cleaning. It’s quite simple: Use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth and start dusting from the top down to the bottom of the piece of furniture.
Pay attention to the products you use; avoid products that are too harsh or abrasive. Apply each product to a soft cloth rather than directly to the wood. This makes it easier to control the amount used and helps prevent stains.
One final step in furniture care is to follow the follow the grain of the wood. This means not wiping back and forth, but rather following the natural grain of the wood.
Finally, you should determine whether the wood has been painted or varnished , since this adds an extra layer to the wood. And the care required may differ, for example, between waxed and oiled wood.
B. Natural Products You Should Choose
Before using any product—even a natural one—we recommend testing it on a hidden area on the piece of furniture test itto ensure that the wood reacts well to the product. Normally, all of the products listed below are safe for your wooden furniture. Nevertheless, it is advisable to conduct a test before use.
Soap, white vinegar, brewed tea
One of the most basic, natural, and readily available products is black soap or curd soap. These soaps are suitable for all types of wood and do not damage the material.
Using soapy water is very simple: Moisten a cotton ball with the mixture of lukewarm water and soap and gently wipe the stain you want to remove. Then rinse with another damp cloth without any product on it.
Another very common and inexpensive product is white vinegar. For this application, dilute the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of white vinegar with about 250 ml of water. Then simply use a cloth dampened with this mixture (it should not be soaked). Gently wipe the wood in the direction of the grain, using circular motions.
Finally, the cold tea infusion can also be used to clean a dirty piece of furniture. Bring ½ liter of water to a boil and then add two bags of classic black tea , which should steep for a few minutes. The cleaning method is the same as for the previous two: Moisten a soft cloth with the mixture and apply it gradually to the furniture, working in the direction of the grain. Wipe the solution off thoroughly with a dry cloth.
You should make sure that the wood doesn't come into contact with water for too long to prevent damage. Always wipe up spills with a dry cloth.
The tips listed above are not for waxed furniture, as water should not be allowed to run over them.
Flaxseed oil
To finish caring for wooden furniture, you can apply linseed oil to the furniture, with except for varnished, painted, or teak wood.
Flaxseed oil protects the wood from moisture, fungi, and insects or even UV rays. It gives the wood a satin finish.
However, it may lighter wood may appear darker . You should not use it too oftenif you want to preserve the light color of your furniture.
The oil is applied with a brush . To thin it, you can mix it with turpentine, a natural solvent derived from pine resin.
Furniture made of waxed wood
When cleaning waxed furniture, you should avoid avoid using water. It is recommended that, for maintenance or to remove a stain, apply oil . Water-based solutions should only be used as a last resort, as they can leave marks on the wood.
A Woolen cloth or a cork can also be used to remove a stain from a waxed piece of furniture.
Please note that with every valuable antique piece of furniture , you should consult a expert before using any products, even if they are natural. Even if you’re unsure about a newly purchased piece of furniture, you can check the brand for advice; they can help you.