How to Care for Your Furniture and Make It Last

Simple Ways to Protect and Preserve Your Wood Furniture

Your furniture is more than a beautiful addition to your home — it’s an investment. With the right care and cleaning habits, you can help your solid wood pieces maintain their beauty, strength, and value for generations. At Furniture and Things, we believe quality furniture deserves proper care, and we’re here to help you make it last.

Proper cleaning is the foundation of long-term furniture care. For daily maintenance, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe in the direction of the grain to clean. Avoid using silicone-based polishes, which can damage finishes over time. We recommend Guardsman Brand Furniture Polish, available for purchase right here at Furniture and Things, for fine wood finishes.

To keep your furniture looking its best:

• Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators, air vents, or wood stoves — these can dry out wood and cause splitting.
• Maintain humidity between 35–45% to prevent shrinking, cracking, or swelling.
• Avoid storing furniture in damp basements or overly dry spaces; consider a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate conditions.

Extreme temperature and humidity changes can cause irreversible damage to wood. Following these simple care guidelines — along with a little common sense — will help your furniture remain an heirloom-quality part of your home for decades.

Furniture Care Tips

1. Keep furniture out of direct sunlight
2. Avoid placing directly in front of or underneath windows
3. Blot up spills immediately
4. Lift items rather than dragging them across the furniture surface
5. Rotate your accessories every once in a while
6. Avoid placing furniture near heat sources and do not store in damp area

The Benefits of Our Finish

With so many types of finishes available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why at Furniture and Things, we’ve chosen a finish that offers superior beauty, protection, and longevity for your home.

Lacquers vs. Conversion Varnish

While many manufacturers rely on lacquer — a lower-cost, less durable coating — we use conversion varnish, a premium finish designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.

• Lacquer: Commonly used but offers limited durability and moisture resistance.
• Conversion Varnish: Provides superior protection, exceptional moisture resistance, and long-lasting performance for your furniture.

Finish Performance Comparison

(Scale of 1 to 10.) 1 = severe effect 10 = no effect

	Lacquer	Conversion Varnish
water resistance	1	10
nail polish remover	1	10
ketchup	2	10
mustard	2	10
tape	2	10

Chemical Resistance Test 

(24 hours unless otherwise noted)

1	olive oil	no effect	8	mayonnaise	no effect
2	cooking spray	no effect	9	orange juice	no effect
3	ketchup	no effect	10	coffee	no effect
4	mustard	no effect	11	tea	no effect
5	vinegar	no effect	12	grape juice	no effect
6	lemon juice	no effect	13	alcohol (100 proof)	(1 hr.) no effect
7	milk	no effect	14	acetone	(2 min. test) no effect

These results clearly demonstrate the difference between the two coatings. Conversion varnish dramatically outperforms lacquer, providing unbeatable protection against spills, chemicals, and everyday use.

Why Conversion Varnish Is the Superior Choice

Moisture Resistance:
A lacquer finish can leave a white ring if a cup of water sits overnight. With conversion varnish, even a week-long test leaves no effect on the surface.

Durability for Everyday Living:
Conversion varnish creates a tough, protective barrier that resists water, heat, and daily wear, helping your furniture stay beautiful for the life of your home.

Easy Cleaning:
Wood finishes naturally collect cooking oils, fingerprints, dust, and residue. To keep your furniture spotless, simply wipe with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent or non-wax polish. Avoid silicone polishes, as prolonged use can damage the finish.

At Furniture and Things, we want you to enjoy every piece you purchase for years to come. That’s why we use finishes that meet our highest standards for quality, durability, and performance — ensuring your furniture stays as beautiful as the day you brought it home.