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“Some retailers, including Harvest House Fine Furniture, offer accidental insurance,” says Sandra Collins, store manager of Harvest House. “Unlike regular warranties, it's meant to protect your prized possessions from those accidental, heart-breaking wine spills.”

Wood furniture

Dust regularly with a soft, slightly damp soft cloth (using lukewarm water). Dry the surface immediately to prevent water bubbling, which can eventually lead to cracking.

To renew a wood's luster, use a quality furniture wax or polish at least once a year; avoid chemical products. Mild cleaners, like Murphy's Oil soap, are safe; silicone-based cleaners are not.

“Never use window cleaners on polished furniture,” advises Mary-Ann Metrick of Elte, “Ammonia will harm the finish.”

To touch up nicks and scratches, use a wax scratch remover stick. Colour-matching furniture polishes are also available. To hide dents, use specialized cleaners to raise the wood grain.

Clean up spills immediately to avoid liquids absorbing into the wood, leaving marks or discolouration. Veneered layers will bubble and lift.

Do not place hot, cold or damp items directly onto the furniture surface as it will damage the finish. Use pads, mats and coasters to protect furniture.

Do not place wood furniture directly in sunlight or next to heating vents, as UV rays and heat can discolour the wood. Use a humidifier to regulate temperatures and prevent the furniture from splitting, cracking or warping.

Sarah Cook, director of design at Ridpath's Fine Furniture in Toronto, advises against using polishes on your wood furniture. “It's like putting a layer of wax on your beautiful furniture,” she says. “Eventually, it will build up and take away the beauty of the piece.” To avoid that waxy look and feel, Sarah uses a product called AntiqueWax. Wax polishes that are vegetable-based, paraffin or beeswax work best. Apply using a soft cloth, along the grain of the wood, then buff. Do not wax polish furniture more than once or twice a year. Avoid waxing urethane-finished furniture, as it attracts dust rather than repel it, says Mary-Ann.

“Never spray any product directly onto the furniture,” says Sarah. “Apply it to the cloth and then use it to clean and polish the wood.” Applying it this way also prevents spray marks on the furniture.

General
Use rubber or nickel caps or casters to protect furniture feet and floors.

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