How to Properly Maintain Your Fine Furniture (Fine Furniture Care 101)

Taking good care of your furniture is much easier than most people think and when done properly, your quality wood furniture will be enjoyed by generations to come.
To maximize the life of your fine pieces, be proactive.
Sometimes it’s tough to follow all of these guidelines but it’s definitely worth a try.

Avoid Most Advertised Polishes

Don’t use Pledge! Most furniture polishes you pick up from the supermarket have silicone in them. ​They may look great but over time, this material creates a slick surface tension and will eventually have a blotchy appearance, leaving smudge marks when handled. House cleaners love to use the stuff because it makes all your furniture shiny and they think that makes you happy. Have a conversation with your house cleaner and be sure they you know what they are using on your fine pieces.​

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Use This Instead

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For any fine finish, we recommend dusting and wiping with a damp cotton cloth. Once or twice a year, using Mohawk's Oz Cream Polish will help take off any buildup from regular use and bring back some luster. Pro Tip: Use this on your wooden kitchen cabinets and be prepared to be mindblown!

No Extreme Changes in Temperatures or Humidity

Be conscious of drastic changes in temperature or humidity that can quickly cause damage to your furniture. Avoid damp or humid areas and do not use storage facilities that are not temperature and humidity controlled.
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Lift, Don’t Drag

This one might seem obvious at first, but there’s a few things that don’t come right to mind. Small scratches are bound to happen over time from normal use but why not avoid this as much as possible by always lifting objects instead of dragging them across your furniture’s surface. You should also be using protective pads to protect your furniture from plastics, warm items, vases, etc. Also, it’s very helpful rotate any accessories you have on furniture surfaces so they are not sitting in one spot all the time.
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Blot, Don’t Wipe

Let’s be honest, no matter what you do, accidents will happen. Clean up spills immediately and don’t wipe liquids across the surface of your furniture. Instead, get an absorbent cloth and use a blotting action. Liquids left over a long period of time will probably damage the finish, so you’re working against the clock here. Also remember that alcohol, perfumes, nail polishes, etc. may cause severe damage and will most likely need professional attention, but minimizing the damage is always worth it.
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Dust Regularly

Maybe we should’ve mentioned this one first… Use a clean, soft cloth and always dust in the direction of the grain. Dampening (not wetting) the cloth can help you cling on to any surface dust. Microfiber cloths are also great as they hang on to the dust instead of just moving it across the surface. Don’t forget to dust every nook and cranny, even the places you can’t see. Dust can accumulate in hidden areas, and really have an effect on air quality. This is specifically important in bedrooms, so grab a step-stool or ladder and clean the top, hidden parts of your wardrobes and cabinets.
HINT: Line the tops of your wardrobes and cabinets with parchment paper or newspaper. It won’t be visible and after dust accumulates, you can just cover it with a new layer and fold the corners towards the middle. Throw it away and replace. Easy! 
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Get in Touch with a Professional

Contact your local furniture refinisher. Sometimes, it’s helpful to apply a polish or wax once or twice a year and they can help you figure out what the best polish is for your specific finish. 

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Our Favorite Products

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For any fine finish, we recommend dusting and wiping with a damp cotton cloth. Once or twice a year, using Mohawk's Oz Cream Polish will help take off any buildup from regular use and bring back some luster.

Has a drill hole stripped? Have a crack? Missing Corner? Mohawk's Epoxy Putty Stick is a great way to fix these problems quickly. Make sure you pick a color close to your piece.

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Watch How-To Video

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Watch How-To Video

Scratches happen. Corners get bumped. Mohawk's Pro Mark Touchup Markers are your go to to quickly repair these bumps and scratches. If you can use a marker, you can touch up your furniture...
​Make sure you pick a color close to your piece. 

Boiled Linseed Oil is great for pieces that are lacking moisture or finish and refinishing isn't the first choice. As always, try first in an inconspicious area to see how the current finish will react. 

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