Page 22 2026 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2026 Proper care for fine wood furniture Whether maintaining your newly purchased wooden desk or refreshing your greatgrandmother’s wooden rocking chair, spring cleaning reminds us of the need to care for our fine wood furniture. Cleaning and caring for your fine wood furniture can protect your investment and help ensure that your family can treasure the piece for generations to come. Taking a few simple steps during this spring’s cleaning can give your home a polished look. Jason Hoffman of Jason Hoffman Studios and the Lincoln Arts Institute stresses the importance of testing a small, inconspicuous area before using cleaning products on the entire surface of the wooden piece. Another local furniture expert, Jake from Jake’s Furniture in Lincoln, suggests cleaning with a soft, damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth, wiping with the wood grain. Jake warns that using products like Pledge requires consistent application, or the wood will dry out. For routine care, World Interiors also suggests dusting with a soft, dry cloth or feather duster. They recommend immediately wiping up spills with a soft, dry cloth to prevent watermarks, warping, or other stains. Fast action will prevent the wood from absorbing the moisture. World Interiors also notes that while routine cleaning is important, preventing damage is equally vital. To preserve your wooden surfaces, protect them from heat and moisture. While sipping a hot cup of coffee at your desk or serving a cool glass of lemonade on a hot, humid day, remember to use a coaster to protect your wood furniture from heat marks or water rings. Tablecloths or placemats are also important when serving a hot dinner on a wooden surface. They also stress the importance of using protective pads under items like lamps or decorative items to prevent scratches and finish damage. When planning wood furniture for your home, consider its placement, as direct sunlight can fade or discolor the wood. Fireplaces, humidifiers, heating, and cooling vents can also cause damage such as drying and cracking wood furniture, depending on the environment. It is important to monitor the environment, as air moisture fluctuations can cause the wood to swell or contract. In dryer environments, a humidifier might be necessary. You should also consider the furniture's use. If you have a wooden desk, consider a pad underneath your electronics, as the materials
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