Common Enemies of Wooden Furniture and How To Combat Them

Termite infestation, rotting, scratches, and spots in your wood furniture can all be avoided by properly caring for your furniture. With frequent releases of modern furniture, homeowners are adding more wooden furniture inside of their homes. While wood furniture looks good in most interior styles, maintaining its original condition can be challenging.

Here are some easy-to-do tips for fighting off some of the common enemies of your wooden furniture and extending the life of your furniture collection.

Fading or Darkening Due to Sunlight

Every piece of furniture ages gracefully. Depending on the wood type and quality of woodworking, wood furniture changes colour over time (sometimes called discolouration). This colour change is normal and, in most cases, increases its aesthetic appeal. It would be best if you avoided drastic fading or darkening of the wooden furniture due to excessive exposure to sunlight.

To protect your wooden furniture against damage from the sunlight, you can place or position them away from direct sunlight or in the shaded parts of your house. Add drapes or blinds to shield your wooden furniture from the sun throughout the day. Some homeowners recommend applying sealants, but their effectiveness may wane depending on how much sunlight the table, cabinet, or chair gets.

Swelling and Dryness Due to Water or Humidity

Wooden tables and dining room chairs suffer from water and humidity too often than most homeowners care to admit. Wipe sauces or water spills immediately and use coasters for drinking beverages to avoid water damage. Also, avoid cleaning wood furniture with a wet cloth. Instead, use a dry, soft cloth and wipe it following its wood grain.

Weather can affect the humidity level in your home and cause increased moisture content on wooden furniture. At this rate, your furniture runs the risk of swelling and cracking due to excessive dryness. Also, note the mould and mildew due to the water buildup.

To ensure that no severe damage can happen, homeowners might consider using air conditioners and dehumidifiers to control humidity indoors. When buying new wood furniture, look closely at naturally water-resistant furniture like those made of teak.

Damaged Wood Due to Termites

Termites are notorious for their harmful role in wooden furniture. As termites enter through the wood, these tiny insects eat the wood inside-out, which hollows your wooden furniture and makes it less sturdy. Homeowners should use termite protection on wood furniture. Depending on the type of treatment used, schedule a yearly termite inspection for your furniture.

Pro Tip: Good-quality wood furniture is not as prone to termite infestation as most wooden products because termite barrier coating is applied on this furniture. So, when choosing furniture, look for that good-quality to high-quality wood furniture. For antique furniture, be sure to inspect wooden surfaces and openings for larvae.

Learn More About Wood Furniture and Care From Woodcraft

The comfort and delight you get out of your custom solid wood furniture depend on the effort you put into its care. Simple home remedies like cleaning the surface with a dry cloth can make a difference, but so is selecting wood furniture alternatives.

Placing your piece of furniture in shaded spots can protect it from sunlight. You can avoid water damage by wiping your furniture with a cotton cloth, while yearly treatments ensure protection against termites.

Woodcraft is renowned for its custom solid wood furniture. Visit our website to check out our furniture pieces or tips on furniture care.

FAQs on Common Enemies of Wooden Furniture

What chemicals are harmful to your wooden furniture?

Some chemicals can be very harmful to your furniture because they can leave a permanent mark or cause drastic fading. These chemicals include:

• Perfume
• Nail polish remover
• Ammonia products
• Multipurpose cleaners

How can you remove an odour on old wooden furniture or keep it at bay?

Old wood furniture can develop an unpleasant odour that may come from the scents of objects stored in the furniture for an extended period. To remove the odour, take out these objects from the furniture and wipe the compartments clean. Place charcoal or a small amount of baking soda to help absorb any scent in your furniture.

Is borate safe to use on wooden furniture?

Yes, borate is toxic for insects but safe for wooden furniture. Borate treatment doesn’t affect the appearance of the furniture at all.