Anyone who owns timber furniture will convince you that no other kind of furniture comes even remotely close to the former in terms of beauty and style. There are different types of timber available in the market these days, in varying grains, colours and densities, all of which boast reparability, longevity and sustainability. Most of these are capable of naturally battling decay. However, a combination of dust, dirt and pollen can accumulate in the exposed cells of the wood, making it dull. This can be prevented with basic upkeep. Here are some tips.

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- Dust your furniture before oiling or staining it. With the help of a soft bristled brush, dust in the direction of the grains.

- A gentle wipe with soap and water will get rid of dirt and salt.  Alternately, a mixture of bleach and dishwashing liquid can be used for this.

- Oiling the timber regularly will keep it from turning silver grey over time. Oil it at least three to four times a year to keep the tones alive and vibrant. Pick an oil that has UV-protection and is resistant to fungi, mold and water. Apply a second coat (if needed) after a gap of ten minutes and allow it to dry completely for about six hours.

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- If your furniture has already turned silver grey, never mind; restoring the showroom shine is easy. Sand the furniture using sand paper until the original colour reappears. Then, apply furniture oil to even and smoothen out the surface.

- Dents and gouges can be tackled with the use of special wax.

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- For timber furniture that is scratched, use a stain marker (available in the market). These felt-tip markers contain oil-based timber stains that will help you even out the tone. Dab a small amount of the marker on the scratches and wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove excess stain. Let this dry for about five to ten minutes. Finally, when you are satisfied with the colour of the furniture, finish off with wax or oil. 

- Walnuts can also be used to get rid of scratches.

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- Like other types of wooden furniture, timber also has natural oil in its pores. However, over time this can evaporate on direct contact with sunlight. So, keep your timber furniture away from direct sunlight.

- Use coasters, covers and mats to protect the surface of the furniture.

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- Similarly, do not place anything hot directly on this kind of furniture.

- No wet items either. This will create water marks and the water will seep into the exposed pores.

- Most importantly, clean and dust the surfaces with a soft cloth regularly.

If none of this helps, contact a professional!

Do you have timber furniture at home? If yes, do share your tips on how you care for it, with us!