If your elegant wooden table ever gets scratched, broken, or warped, table restoration professionals can help. Still, to avoid the risk of permanent problems, you need to know how to prevent damage in the first place. Here are some suggestions for proper wooden table maintenance.

How to Protect Your Wooden Table From Damage

1. Consider Location

Excessive moisture and humidity can cause wood to warp or rot, but too much dryness and heat can also lead to fading, cracking, and splintering. Place your table in an area where the temperature and humidity levels are consistent and moderate. As long as you keep it away from bathrooms, laundry rooms, fireplaces, radiators, and direct sunlight, the table should retain its shape and structural integrity.

2. Clean Regularly

Dust and grime can leave scratches and stains on a wooden table. Remove dust once or twice a week by dampening a soft cloth with water and gently wiping the wood in the direction of the grain. If food or liquid spills onto the wood, clean it up right away with a soft, dampened cloth in addition to vinegar, turpentine, lime juice, or olive oil, all of which are non-toxic but effective cleaners. Dry it off with a different cloth.

3. Touch-Up the Surface

A few minor scratches and watermarks may be inevitable over time. Most minor scratches can be treated without full table restoration if you apply liquid covers, filler sticks, or touch-up markers. Some over-the-counter cleaners also remove watermarks, but you can try rubbing toothpaste, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, or fine steel wool on the spot in question first.

Additionally, apply carnauba wax once or twice a year to help the table maintain a shiny appearance and block liquid or grime from settling into the grain. If the cracks or stains seem deep and unresponsive to treatment, schedule furniture restoration services.

4. Use Layers

As extra protection for your wooden table, lay tablecloths and runners on top of it throughout the year. However, if you still want to see the wood, consider setting your dishware or vases on placemats, coasters, or pads made from cork or felt instead. To prevent burn marks when serving dinner, also place your pots and pans on hot pads or oven mitts.

If you need wooden table restoration despite following these tips, go to Tri-County Furniture Restoration in Cincinnati, OH. With more than 35 years in the furniture and antique restoration industry, they can ensure your table and other belongings will look like new after each visit. If your table came with dining chairs that are also looking worn out, you can ask about their upholstery services as well. Get details today by calling (513) 771-6389 or messaging them online.