Keep Your Wooden Dining Room Table Looking Like New
A wooden dining room table needs very little maintenance, but it’s great to know what to do to keep it looking its best. Whether your wooden table is stained or painted or has a mishap, there are steps you can take to keep it looking like new. Here are some suggestions from the Matter Brothers Furniture Store in Sarasota.
Placing and Protecting a Wooden Dining Room Table
Having the best environment can help protect your wooden dining table. Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading, and keep it away from radiators so it doesn’t crack or warp. Having your house’s humidity between 40 and 45% can prevent the wood from cracking or swelling. You can also place a felt tabletop pad under a tablecloth or get a custom-fit glass to cover the surface. Both options will protect the table’s surface.
Frequent Dusting
Removing dust can help protect your table’s finish. Each week, wipe down the table with a soft cloth that is just barely damp with water. This could be a microfiber cloth or a one cut from a cotton diaper or old t-shirt.
Basic Wooden Dining Room Table Cleaning
Dish soap is a great place to start with cleaning your table. Place a drop on a cotton ball and clean a small, inconspicuous spot. If there is no damage to the finish, then a small amount of dish soap can be added to water to clean the full table. Use a damp, not wet, sponge, or soft cloth. Make sure to dry the table completely when you’re done. This is a good way to clean both stained and painted wooden tables.
Thorough Cleaning for Stained Tables
Cleaning with mineral spirits can remove even more grime and buildup from your stained wooden table. Be sure to test this to make sure it’s safe for the table’s finish before using it everywhere. Wipe the table with a soft cloth damp with mineral spirits. Follow that by wiping the table with a cloth damp with just water and then a dry cloth. Make sure your room is well ventilated while working.
Waxing Stained Tables
Once your stained table is clean, protect it with a hard carnauba furniture wax. Use a cheesecloth to rub plenty of wax onto the table in the direction of the wood grain. Then buff the table with a clean, soft cloth. Do this twice a year. Avoid furniture polish sprays and furniture polishes that contain silicones, since they can leave a buildup behind.
Removing Water Rings From Stained Tables
Sometimes you accidentally put a hot dish or a wet glass down onto the wooden table. Before you know it, there’s a ring left on your table. If you notice right away, it is possible to remove the mark.
First, dry off the spot with a soft cloth. Then rub some mayonnaise right onto the mark with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then rub the mayonnaise off in the morning. The mayonnaise isn’t harmful to wood, so it’s worth giving it a try. The water ring sometimes disappears completely and other times just fade. Invest in some nice coasters and trivets to avoid the problem next time.
Visit Matter Brothers Furniture Store
If you’re looking for dining room furniture in Sarasota, our expert staff at Matter Brothers Furniture & Mattress is here to help you find the perfect table. We’re also happy to provide guidance on how to clean and maintain your new table. Contact us or visit our furniture store in Sarasota or one of our four other convenient locations for assistance in buying your new wooden dining room table.
