How to Maintain and Care for Wooden Furniture

Quality wooden furniture represents a significant investment in your home, and with proper care, a well-made chest of drawers can serve your family for generations. The good news is that maintaining wooden furniture doesn't require expensive products or extensive time—just consistent attention and the right techniques. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your bedroom furniture looking beautiful for years to come.

Understanding Your Wood Finish

Before diving into maintenance techniques, it's essential to understand what type of finish protects your furniture. Different finishes require different care approaches, and using the wrong products can damage rather than protect.

Lacquered finishes are the most common on modern furniture. These create a hard, protective shell over the wood that's relatively easy to maintain. Lacquered surfaces have a consistent sheen and feel smooth to the touch.

Oil finishes penetrate into the wood rather than sitting on top, creating a more natural look and feel. These finishes highlight the wood grain beautifully but require more regular maintenance to keep them nourished and protected.

Wax finishes provide a soft, low-sheen appearance popular in traditional and antique furniture. Waxed surfaces need periodic reapplication but are easy to touch up and repair.

Painted finishes completely cover the underlying wood. While they don't require the wood-specific care of natural finishes, they have their own maintenance needs to prevent chipping and wear.

Daily and Weekly Care

Dusting: The Foundation of Furniture Care

Regular dusting is the single most important maintenance task for wooden furniture. Dust particles are mildly abrasive, and over time, dust buildup can scratch and dull your furniture's finish. Aim to dust your chest of drawers at least weekly, or more frequently in dusty environments.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfibre duster for best results. Avoid feather dusters, which often just redistribute dust rather than removing it. Always dust with the grain of the wood, using light pressure. For carved details or hardware, use a soft brush to reach into crevices.

Wiping Up Spills Immediately

Water and other liquids are wood's enemy. Even on sealed surfaces, prolonged moisture exposure can cause water marks, swelling, and finish damage. When spills occur, blot them immediately with a dry, absorbent cloth. Don't rub, as this can spread the liquid and potentially damage the finish.

Monthly Deep Cleaning

Beyond regular dusting, your furniture benefits from a more thorough cleaning every month or two. The approach depends on your finish type:

For Lacquered and Sealed Finishes

Dampen a soft cloth with water and a tiny amount of mild dish soap—we're talking about a single drop in a cup of water. Wring the cloth until it's barely damp, then wipe down all surfaces. Follow immediately with a dry cloth to remove any moisture. This removes fingerprints, light grime, and built-up dust that regular dusting misses.

For Oil Finishes

Clean with a cloth dampened only with water, then dry immediately. Avoid soap, which can strip the oil. Every few months, apply a light coat of the appropriate furniture oil (typically tung oil or Danish oil) following the manufacturer's directions. This replenishes the finish and maintains the wood's protection and lustre.

For Wax Finishes

Dust thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of quality furniture wax using a soft cloth. Work in small sections, applying with circular motions, then buff to a shine with a clean cloth. Wax builds up over time, so you typically only need to do this two to four times per year unless the furniture sees heavy use.

Polishing for Protection and Beauty

Polishing serves two purposes: it enhances the appearance of your furniture and provides an additional protective layer. However, more isn't always better—over-polishing can lead to waxy buildup that actually dulls the finish.

For most furniture, polishing every one to three months is sufficient. Choose your polish based on your finish type:

• Lacquered finishes: Use a spray furniture polish or cream polish designed for sealed wood
• Oil finishes: Apply the same oil originally used on the piece, or a compatible furniture oil
• Wax finishes: Apply paste wax, which acts as both polish and protective layer

Apply polish sparingly using a soft cloth, working with the grain. Buff with a clean cloth until no residue remains and the surface has an even sheen. If you notice cloudy buildup from previous polish applications, clean the surface with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits before applying fresh polish.

Protecting Against Environmental Damage

Sunlight and UV Exposure

Direct sunlight is surprisingly damaging to wooden furniture. UV rays fade finishes and can cause uneven colour changes as exposed areas bleach while protected areas retain their original colour. Position your chest of drawers away from windows where possible, or use curtains and blinds during peak sunlight hours.

If repositioning isn't practical, consider UV-filtering window film, which blocks damaging rays while still allowing light into your room. Rotating items on top of furniture surfaces helps ensure even aging across the entire piece.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. In Australian climates, which can range from very dry inland conditions to humid coastal environments, this movement can cause cracking, warping, and joint loosening over time.

Maintain relatively consistent indoor humidity levels—ideally between 40% and 60%. Air conditioning provides excellent humidity control in summer, while a humidifier may be necessary in dry winter conditions or in heated homes. Avoid placing furniture near heating vents, fireplaces, or air conditioning outlets where it will experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

Using Protective Accessories

Simple accessories provide significant protection for furniture surfaces:

• Use coasters under drinks and vases to prevent water rings
• Place felt pads under decorative objects to prevent scratches
• Use drawer liners to protect drawer interiors from clothing accessories
• Consider a tablecloth or runner on tops that see heavy use

Addressing Common Problems

Water Marks and White Rings

White rings typically indicate moisture trapped in the finish rather than damage to the wood itself. For minor rings, try rubbing with a cloth dampened with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and olive oil. For stubborn marks, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly overnight, then wipe clean. More serious damage may require professional refinishing.

Scratches and Scuffs

Minor surface scratches on lacquered finishes can often be minimised with furniture polish or scratch concealer products. For oil and wax finishes, lightly sanding the affected area and reapplying finish usually works. Deeper scratches that penetrate to bare wood may need touch-up stain before finishing.

For a quick fix on dark woods, rubbing a walnut (shell removed) over a scratch can help disguise it—the natural oils fill and darken the scratch.

Sticky Drawers

Drawers that stick are typically experiencing wood expansion from humidity or worn runners. For wooden runners, rubbing with a candle or bar of soap provides lubrication. For persistent problems, check that the piece is level and that no items inside the drawers are catching on the frame. Consider replacing worn runners with modern ball-bearing slides if the problem continues.

When to Seek Professional Help

While regular maintenance is well within any homeowner's capabilities, some situations call for professional attention. Consider consulting a furniture restoration specialist for:

• Deep scratches or gouges exposing bare wood
• Significant colour fading or finish damage
• Structural issues like loose joints or damaged veneer
• Antique or valuable pieces requiring specialised care
• Uncertain finish types where wrong treatments could cause damage

Professional refinishing can transform worn furniture, but it's an investment best reserved for quality pieces worth preserving long-term.

Conclusion

Caring for wooden furniture is straightforward once you understand your specific finish and establish regular maintenance habits. Dust weekly, clean monthly, polish quarterly, and protect consistently from environmental stressors. With this approach, your chest of drawers will maintain its beauty and functionality for decades, potentially becoming a treasured piece passed down through generations. The time invested in maintenance pays dividends in both the appearance of your home and the longevity of your furniture investment.