In one form or another, wood furniture has been around for hundreds of years. We’ve seen massive thrones, delicate tables, and strong bookshelves. Wood design is only limited by the human imagination. Even today, there’s a wide variety of choices, from practical Scandinavian pieces to our own teak shower benches.

Yesterday we offered a few tips for keeping wood furniture looking good, and we’d like to share more of them today.

• Using commercial wood protection products are fine, but be sure to use them properly. Using too much can create a buildup that dulls the color and makes the surface sticky. Buffing well will help you to avoid this, and avoid products with a wax protectant, since it will also cause a sticky mess.
• Over time, furniture will inevitably receive some degree of damage. For small scratches and nicks, a liquid scratch cover polish will conceal damage and restore luster. If there’s larger damage, consider painting the piece, or sanding and refinishing.
• If a piece has been in storage for a long period of time, the wood may dry out. Cleaners like oil soap will do the trick. Prepare the area with steel wool, and make sure to go with the grain. Apply a good amount of the furniture oil, then let it soak for 15 minutes. If you’re preparing to apply a protective coating, give the oil 24 hours to set beforehand.
• If you have pets or children, there will inevitably be stains on your furniture. To get rid of rings from water glasses, mix a paste that’s equal parts baking soda and white toothpaste. Rub it on the stain until it vanishes, then wipe it down and buff it with a dry cloth. For crayon stains, put a little mayonnaise on the area. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, wipe off the mayo with a damp cloth, then dry the area with a dry cloth.