Page 23 2026 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2026 they are made of or the heat that they produce can damage the wood surface. For writing with pens use a pad to avoid scratching surfaces. If you have pets, try to keep them off the furniture as their nails can also cause inadvertent scratches (Bassett). Bassett Furniture offers tips for removing unwanted odors from wood furniture. The first line of defense is to try a vinegar-and-water solution. Soak a clean rag in the solution made of equal parts water and white vinegar. For different types of smells of smoke, lemon oil is the best option. Bassett recommends Murphy’s cleaner if the vinegar-and-water solution does not work (Bassett). If the previously mentioned preventative measures failed and you have a minor scratch, missed a spill, or left a watermark, Bassett Furniture has recommendations to remedy these mishaps. For minor blemishes, such as scratches or dents, they recommend a marker, shoe polish, or furniture pen to match your furniture's color. For rings left by condensation or heat, they recommend wiping the ring with rubbing alcohol, which draws moisture from the area. You can also try using a blow dryer on a low setting, as the warmth can remove moisture from the wood. Additional products are available online to assist in water ring removal (Bassett). Hickory Furniture Mart advises, “Different wood finishes require different care techniques.” They describe the most common finishes, including lacquer and varnish, shellac, and oil. To maintain lacquer and varnish, avoid wax-based products, as they can cause a buildup on these finishes. Instead, dust regularly with a soft cloth and wipe occasionally with a damp cloth. Shellac requires cleaning with a soft, damp cloth. Hickory Furniture also recommends a highquality paste wax to protect the shellac. An oil finish requires a thin coat of furniture oil once or twice a year. Hickory Furniture advises that, regardless of finish, it is important to consult the furniture manufacturer’s instructions for the most specific care instructions. Arlington Woodworks provides a list of chemicals and cleaners to avoid when working with wood furniture. Those include ammonia, bleach, acetone, and abrasive cleaners. The harsh chemicals can strip the wood of its finish and cause damage such as discoloration and corrosion. They stress the importance of the above-mentioned dusting ritual because accumulated dust can act like sandpaper, scratching the wood over time. Arlington goes beyond surface-level damage and warns that exposing wood furniture to excess moisture can cause structural damage: moisture swells
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