It doesn't matter when or how you acquired your new or antique furniture, what matters is taking care of your furniture so it may be the piece you hand down to your heirs.
Perhaps you have just bought your first piece of oak furniture or you have been handed your family's heirloom a beloved solid oak roll top desk.
There are a few things to remember about oak furniture.

It's solid.
It's solid wood.
There are many issues to face when you own wood products, one of the major issues is the humidity level and its effects on your wooden furniture. The other issue is how to properly and safely clean your wood furniture.
Humidity Level Issues:
Other than a few wooden pegs or perhaps a few metal hinges or locks, it is wood. Oak furniture will react to the humidity levels in your home.(Ever wonder why the drawers on your oak dresser are harder to open during monsoon season?) If the humidity levels in your home are too high, the furniture will expand. When the humidity levels are too low your furniture will contract. Signs of low humidity level would be: the leaves of your table have a slightly more noticeable opening, or the rungs on your rocking chair are loose.
So how do you take care of these problems? I'm so glad you asked!
*If the humidity level is too low in your home, use a humidifier. Don't place it too close to the wood. Place the humidifier in the center of the room if possible.
*Also, make sure your furniture is not close to the fireplace or in direct sunlight.
*If the humidity level is too HIGH in your home, use a de-humidifier for your home.
*If you store the extra leaves of your table, a great suggestion is to store the extra leaves in the same room or area where the table is located, that way they are both in the same humidity level and they will expand or contract at the same level.

CLEANING TIPS:
*For everyday clean ups, when possible use a dry soft cloth. Don't get the throw away polish rags as they will add unnecessary wax build up to your furniture.
*If something gets spilled, wipe it up immediately, with a damp sponge. Use only water when possible. If it's something that requires a bit more cleaning, always put the soap on a rag and not directly on the furniture. Experts suggest using a non-alkaline based soap (Alkaline is a corrosive. Remember the alkaline battery that leaked all over your junk drawer?)
Make sure you dry the table, never let it "air"dry. Remember the wood will soak it up!
*Once a week, use a furniture cleaner such as Formbe's Almond Lustre and Citrus Lustre Polish.
Remember this furniture is an investment, put the cheap Dollar Store furniture polish away!
*Experts suggest that twice a year or once a year, depending on what the furniture piece is and its use, to use a good wood furniture wax on the table. Remember to use a wax remover first to remove any old wax build up, such as Formbe's Deep Cleansing Build up Remover.
Enjoy your furniture, take good care of it and it will last for centuries just as your great great Grandma's roll top desk has lasted for centuries!

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Larochelle.
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