7 Tips to Take Care of Heirloom Quality Furniture

Most everyone can say that amidst all of their furniture is something that belonged to a relative at an earlier time. Whether it’s great-grandma’s table or your aunt’s old rocking chair, heirloom furniture holds a special place in our hearts and in our homes. One of the most important aspects of ensuring that your heirlooms can be passed onto the next generation is the quality of the care you provide them. That old rocking chair and table weren’t stuck in the basement to gather dust and moisture; they were lovingly cared for so that they could be valued and loved by another family member later on. Take a look at these tips to ensure that your heirloom quality furniture remains in great condition for you to enjoy and then pass on to the next generation.

1. Don’t Store It Away

One of the worst things to do with your heirloom furniture is simply store it away in a basement or attic. Firstly, both of these locations are bad environmental choices. They could potentially provide an environment that is too moist, too dry, too hot or too cold. Secondly, most people don’t know how to properly store a quality piece of furniture. Proper storage isn’t shoving the rocking chair in the corner of the basement. Proper storage means ensuring that that the piece of furniture is adequately wrapped or covered and stored in a location that is not to hot or cold and is not too humid or too dry.

2. Keep It Clean Using the Appropriate Products

It’s important to keep your heirloom furniture clean and maintained, however, it’s essential to use the appropriate products. There are tons of products on the market claiming to restore your wood furniture, make your china shine and your crystal glisten. The truth is, though, that most furniture experts suggest avoiding these types of products. They can lead to damaging buildup on the surface of the furniture and have the potential to degrade the piece. Furniture should be cleaned with care; wood pieces can be dusted with a dampened, microfiber or soft cloth. Sofas, chairs, and other upholstery should be vacuumed with a soft, bristled tool. Crystal and glass should be rinsed immediately after use and then washed in warm soapy water with a soft cloth. They should be rinsed with water and dried immediately.

3. Avoid the Sunlight

The sun can be particularly damaging to the furniture. A long-term exposure to sunlight can damage the finish and upholstery of the furniture often causing it to discolor. Be cautious about the location in which you place your heirloom pieces. Try to avoid direct sunlight placement. However, If right in front of a sun-facing window, consider a furniture cover or drawing the shades.

4. Humidity is Not a Friend

Too much humidity can cause serious problems for furniture. It can cause wood to expand, contract, warp and even break. In cases of very high humidity, the wood can begin to rot. Lack of humidity can cause the furniture to dry out and crack. For wooden furniture, an optimal humidity level is 50% relative humidity. To avoid damage from humidity variations, avoid storing the furniture in basements and attics.

5. Temperature Matters

Similar to humidity, temperature plays a role in the maintenance of the furniture. Extreme temperatures can cause damage. The ideal temperature for wood furniture is around 72 degrees. It’s important to pay attention to where the furniture is placed. Avoid placing the furniture near the stove, fireplace, HVAC vents, and radiators.

6. Keep Bugs Out

Nobody wants their heirloom furniture damaged by pests! Mold and mildew are the most common microorganism destroyers of upholstered furniture. To avoid this, don’t store the furniture in a warm, damp location.

The bugs to watch out for are termites, beetles, and ants. These pests can bore through wooden furniture and essentially destroy it. Bug droppings, holes in the furniture and wood dust are all signs of an infestation.

Mice and other rodents can be particularly damaging to upholstered furniture as this is a perfect location for nesting. Be cautious to avoid storing the furniture in a location where mice or other rodents may have access to it.

7. Be Gentle to Prevent Damage

Obviously furniture was meant to be used. But, keep in mind that the heirloom piece has made its way to you because it was used gently and taken care of. To prevent damage from your piece first ensure that you have made appropriate measurements for moving it. You don’t want to try and squeeze a 6-foot dresser through a 3-foot doorway. When moving the furniture ensure that all loose elements, like drawers, have been removed. Once the piece is in your home, take steps to ensure it is cared for. Ensure that coasters are available with wood tables. If the furniture is upholstered, use a throw or slipcover. And, try to ensure that the furniture is being used for its purpose, i.e. don’t sit on the coffee table.

Wrap Up

Heirloom furniture represents some of the most valuable possessions we own. They are filled with love, history and family. To ensure they make it to the next generation, be sure to take the time to care for them and prevent damage to them.