Rustic Wood Furniture Care Guide

Proper maintenance for your rustic log furniture is essential to keeping your furniture looking new. In this article, we give you a comprehensive overview of how to care for wood furniture properly. From preventative maintenance to cleaning and polishing your furniture, this guide will help you keep your furniture looking fantastic.

Indoor Rustic Wood Furniture Care

How to care for wood furniture image - polished sturdy white cedar table with six matching chairs - set in room with brown wood floor light wood wall and stone side wall

Preventative Care for Indoor Rustic Wood Furniture

The best way to make sure your indoor rustic wood furniture stays beautiful is by treating it with care throughout the life of the furniture piece. Here are a few recommendations we have on how to care for wood furniture:

Always use coasters to protect your furniture from water stains and spills
Tablecloths and placemats are a good way to protect your furniture from splashes and spills, particularly in dining room kitchen furniture
Use a hot pad or trivet to protect from high temperatures and scratches from cookware
Moisture in general should be avoided, and any spill should be wiped up as soon as possible.
Writing on paper directly on the furniture surface should be avoided, as it likely will leave marks on the surface of the furniture. We recommend using a desk pad to write on.
Fluctuating humidity and temperature can cause your furniture to expand and contract, potentially causing damage. Keep the humidity and temperature in the environment of your furniture consistent as possible.
Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight as much as possible, as it will cause the color to fade over time.

Aspen Rustic Bedroom Furniture - Aspen rustic wood bedroom set featuring dresser drawer with mirror and a chest drawers with matching night table and bed with matching headboard and footboard - set in warmly lit wood paneled room adorned with black bearskin rug on far wall

Cleaning Rustic Wood Indoor Furniture

Throughout the life of your furniture, you’ll likely spend a lot of time keeping your furniture clean. Whether it’s a quick weekly cleaning or a deep clean after a spill, here are some tips to follow:

We recommend your furniture be cleaned on a weekly basis. Often a simple dusting with a damp, soft cloth is sufficient. However, you can also use a mild soap or soap that’s designed specifically for wood like this Spotless Hospitality Furniture Care – Woodwright Quality Wood Finishing Products (woodwrightfinish.com)
Any spill should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. If a liquid soaks into the stain, it will be much harder to remove.
For cleaning up sticky spills and other messes, using a bit of dish soap can help clean the mess.
For stains that have penetrated the surface of the finish, you may need to sand the surface and refinish.

Outdoor Rustic Wood Furniture Care

How to care for wood furniture image - Pair of polished cedar tables each with two matching benches set in lush green picnic area

Preventative Care for Outdoor Rustic Wood Furniture

Because of its exposure to the elements, outdoor rustic wood furniture requires a bit more care than indoor wood furniture. Here are a few basic tips and preventative measures to keep your outdoor furniture looking fantastic.

Sunlight and moisture are the elements that tend to damage your outdoor furniture the most. The more you limit your furniture’s exposure to these, the better.
When your furniture is not being used, store it in a protected area out of direct sunlight and rain. During the winter months and extended rainy periods, keep your outdoor furniture stored in a dry area or protected with a cover.
Another way to protect your furniture is to avoid placing it in direct contact with the ground. While this isn’t always optimal, it can help keep moisture off your furniture.

Cleaning Rustic Wood Outdoor Furniture

Your outdoor furniture will likely be cleaned less often than indoor furniture, but it’s still important to clean on a regular basis. Here are a few tips.

Mud and dirt can stain and hold moisture. Keep your furniture free of mud and dirt by rinsing it with water and by using a soft brush. After washing, allow your furniture to dry properly.

Rustic Outdoor log porch swing - Charming light-colored log bench swing - Set on sun-lit green grass with livestock in the distance

Maintaining Rustic Wood Outdoor Furniture

Over time, your outdoor furniture will eventually lose its “new” look and become faded. Here are a few tips that can help you revitalize your furniture.

If your furniture is stained or finished with a sealer, you’ll likely need to reapply a sealer once every year or so, depending on its exposure to the elements.
To reapply a new finish, start by sanding the old finish off and rinsing off the dirt and dust. Wait until the furniture is dry and apply the finish. You likely will need to apply multiple coats to get the look you want, so be sure to allow the coat to dry before adding the next one.
Cedar wood is one of the most popular woods to use for outdoor furniture. Some people prefer the look of unfinished cedar, and as it ages, it eventually becomes a beautiful silvery-gray look.

With proper care and attention, your rustic wood furniture can maintain its beauty and longevity for years to come. Why not invest in a timeless piece that not only enhances your home but also tells a story? Explore our stunning collection of hand-crafted indoor and outdoor rustic log furniture today and bring warmth and charm to your space!