Restore the Lustre of Aged Wooden Furniture
As wood ages, it loses its natural luster and can become dull and lifeless. Thankfully, you can restore your wooden furniture and bring back its original lustre with simple home remedies. Before you begin, remove any dust and dirt from the surface using a lint-free cloth or cheesecloth. You can also use a commercial wood cleaner that is safe for your particular wood. Avoid using polishes that contain silicon oils, as these will penetrate the wood and can be difficult to remove.
It is common for old pieces of furniture to have small cracks and holes from age and use. While these imperfections are not harmful, you can easily fill them in with epoxy putty. Epoxy is soft resin that can be shaped to match the piece of wood you are filling in. You can find epoxy putty at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.
If your wooden furniture is faded from sunlight, you can use an orange or wax-based conditioner ($10, The Home Depot) to restore its color and luster. The best way to protect your wooden furniture from fading, however, is to cover it or move it out of direct sunlight.
How to Restore the Lustre of Aged Wooden Furniture
Another common problem with wood furniture is mildew and mold. If the mildew or mold is only on a small area of your furniture, you can clean it with distilled white vinegar. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is 80 percent effective in killing mildew and mold. Before you start cleaning, wear a mask to prevent inhaling the spores.
Most people are worried that their antique wooden furniture will be damaged when they try to clean it. While this is a valid concern, the good news is that most of the damage to your furniture will be caused by dust, dirt and other debris. Most of this can be removed with a soft, dry cloth or a damp cheesecloth. You can also use a gentle liquid soap or an orange cleaner to help lift the dirt and grime.
Typically, wooden furniture is sealed with varnish or polyurethane when it is made. This will help to prevent moisture from damaging the wood and helps to reduce scratches on the surface. If you have a piece of antique furniture that has lost its shine, you can restore it by buffing it with a soft cloth or cheesecloth and then wiping it down with a dry lint-free towel.
It is also possible to restore your wooden furniture by refinishing it. This is a time-consuming process that requires sanding and staining, so you should only attempt this if you are a skilled woodworker. Alternatively, you can purchase coloured wax fill sticks that are designed to repair cracks and holes in wood. These can be found at most hardware stores and are easy to use. Warm up the wax stick in your hand and then apply it to the crack or hole. Allow it to set for a few hours before you wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth.
