Is Reclaimed Furniture Maintenance-Free?

Is Reclaimed Furniture Maintenance-Free?

Unfortunately, no piece of furniture is entirely maintenance-free if you plan on enjoying it for many years. Reclaimed furniture is no exception. It requires minimal care since its life span has already weathered many storms. However, some care is necessary for a reclaimed piece to flourish in its new life cycle. Plus, it can be used to make a range of furniture and decor. This applies to everything from reclaimed dining tables to vintage shelving units and everything in between.

We use repurposed wood to create stunning-looking pieces of furniture, not just because it's a sustainable material. Reclaimed wood is inherently beautiful and unique with extraordinary patinas, knots, grain patterns, undeniable characteristics and colours. Small cracks, splits, and old nail holes in the timber enhance the look of the rustic aged piece of furniture. Any spills, stains, little nicks and scratches blend in and add to the overall character of the wood. 

How Do I Care For It?

To protect a piece of furniture or decor made from reclaimed wood in your home, maintaining its appearance and lifespan is likely high on the list. It's good to note that cleaning reclaimed wood differs from cleaning traditional, modern wood. However, you can take a few simple steps to care for reclaimed wood without damaging its unique character and keep it looking great for many years and several generations.

Regular Dusting

Reclaimed wood may inspire a down-to-earth feeling, but it should be dusted and cleaned as regularly as standard furniture. Natural pieces only require natural maintenance, so a lint-free microfiber cloth works well. Furniture with knicks, deep cuts or shallow cracks is a breeding place for dust and other grime; use an old toothbrush or a small paint brush to sort out the crumbs and other debris. Using brushes versus a vacuum cleaner is better as they can get deeper into the small nooks and crannies embedded in the wood. 

 

Keep It Natural

Use a high-quality furniture wax to wipe and treat the surface for treated and sealed reclaimed wood. Genuine old-fashioned natural bee paste wax is what we recommend. It can be applied directly to rough textured woods. Because of its unique formula of bee's wax, natural carnauba and candelilla waxes, this paste brings a deep and durable dry gloss bringing up the warmth of the natural colour of the wood. For best results, carefully follow the directions provided with this product to protect the wood, especially treated pieces, from scratches and prevent a collection of lint and debris.

Protect From Heat

Our reclaimed wood furniture pieces look great in kitchens and add additional counter surfaces when needed. Although wood is naturally heat resistant, hot plates and pans from the oven should have heat pads or trivets underneath as protection to prevent heat spots, especially on reclaimed wood pieces.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Placing wood furniture in spaces that experience strong, intense UV rays can change the colour of the wood from original soft, honey browns to more of a sliver grey colour palette. No different than a photograph or a work of art. To prevent this, simply use curtains or blinds to regulate sun exposure or place pieces in indirect views of sunlight.

Prevent Water Stains

Immediately wipe effected area with kitchen paper towel or slightly wet damp cloth. Next, use a dry cloth to absorb water. We recommend using coasters on all dining tables to prevent minor markings. If a spill or stain occurs, wipe it up with kitchen paper towels and, if necessary, wipe with beeswax. 

Keep it natural 

We strongly advise against using modern day bleach-based cleaning products because they will accelerate the deterioration of the wood over time. Instead, use a high-quality beeswax.

What Should I Expect?

Buying a piece of reclaimed wood furniture from a reputable source is one of the best ways to ensure it is made from reliably sourced sustainable wood, including how it has been stained or treated to adequately protect it. It's also good to learn more about reclaimed wood before investing heavily in a piece of furniture that you'll have for years and years. When a piece is adequately protected, you can expect to enjoy it for years and years and pass it on to the next generation. 

At Home Street Home, we take pride in our craftsmanship and appreciate the unique character of authentic reclaimed wood. Shop our collection of reclaimed wood furniture, accessories and decor to find the perfect addition to your home.