Furniture Care

Furniture Care Tips

Taking care of wooden furniture is important to maintain its beauty and prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your wooden furniture:

1. Cleaning: Dust wooden furniture regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners, as they can damage the wood. Instead, use a mild cleaning solution specifically made for wood, or a mixture of vinegar and water. Make sure to remove any excess liquids immediately before they soak into the wood. 

2. Protecting from Sunlight: Avoid placing wooden furniture in direct sunlight, as the UV rays can fade and dry out the wood. If this is not avoidable, consider using window coverings to protect the furniture.

3. Avoiding Humidity: Humidity can cause wooden furniture to expand and contract, leading to cracking and warping. Keep the humidity in your home stable by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

4. Temperature: Avoid placing your wooden furniture near heat sources or air vents, as extreme temperatures can cause the wood to crack and warp.

5. Proper Placement: Avoid placing wooden furniture on a damp floor or in a damp room, as moisture can damage the wood over time.

6. Maintenance: wood furniture needs to be maintained and touched up every so often, this could be by using wood oil or varnish to protect the surface and color of your furniture.

7. Moving: When moving wooden furniture, be sure to lift it properly to avoid scratches and dents. Use furniture sliders to make it easier to move heavy pieces.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wooden furniture stays beautiful and in good condition for many years to come.

 

Removing Drawers from Casegoods (Dressers, Nightstands, Sideboards, etc.)

Removing ball bearing drawers from furniture can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps and tools, it can be done easily and safely. Here's how to remove ball bearing drawers from furniture:

1. Empty the drawer: Remove all contents from the drawer to make it easier to remove and to prevent any damage to the items inside.

2. Locate the release mechanism: Look for small levers on the glides on both sides of the drawer. 

3. Release the drawer: Press the lever to release the drawer from the tracks. It may require a bit of force to get it to release. One side will need to be pushed up, while the other side is pushed down to release the locking mechanism of the slides.

4. Carefully pull the drawer out: Once the drawer is released, carefully pull it out of the furniture piece. If the drawer is stuck, gently tap the side of the drawer with a rubber mallet or a wooden block to loosen it.

5. Check for ball bearings: If the drawer is fitted with ball bearings, you may need to remove them before you can take out the drawer fully. You can do this by gently lifting out the ball bearings from the tracks.

6. Remove the drawer: Once the ball bearings have been removed, the drawer should slide out easily.

7. Reinstallation: To put the drawer back in place, carefully slide it back into the tracks, making sure that it is properly aligned. Make sure the ball bearings are extended out all the way on the glides so allow the drawer to lock back in place. 

It's important to be cautious and gentle when removing ball bearing drawers to avoid damaging the furniture or injuring yourself. And also make a note of how it was removed so you can reinstall it properly.

 

Applying a Touch up marker

Using a touch-up marker to repair scratches on furniture is a quick and easy way to restore the appearance of wood surfaces. Here's how to do it:

1. Identify the type of wood your furniture is made from. Many touch-up markers come in different colors to match different types of wood, so it's important to use the correct color for your furniture.
2. Clean the scratch by wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. This will help ensure that the touch-up marker will adhere properly.
3. Apply the touch-up marker to the scratch. Be sure to follow the instructions on the marker, as different brands may have different application methods. Typically, you'll want to apply the marker to the scratch in light, steady strokes, making sure to color in the entire scratch area. Wipe off excess paint with a paper towel.
4. Allow the touch-up marker to dry completely. This typically takes a few minutes, but it's best to check the instructions on the marker to be sure.

Please note that touch-up markers are designed for small repairs, and if the scratch is deep or extensively damage, it is advisable to consider professional repair or to contact a furniture restorer.