Properly caring for woodwork will keep it looking good and healthy for a long time.
April is just a few hours away, the weather is trending in a warmer direction, and the Orioles and Nationals will be back in their respective stadiums next week. Spring is here. That also means that spring cleaning season is well underway. With an investment like custom architectural millwork, you want to ensure that you’re taking proper care of it to promote its beauty and longevity. Here are some tips for caring for woodwork during your spring cleaning efforts.
Careful Cleaning
Generally speaking, woodwork won’t hold much in the way of dirt and grime. When it’s given a good sealcoat and finish, wood will be smooth and nonporous enough to prevent dirt from sticking to it. Most often, caring for woodwork will just require a thorough dusting. We recommend a static duster to grab and hold onto the dust rather than simply redistributing it into the air and around the room. For a true shine, you can also wipe it down with a clean cloth damp with warm water or an emulsion non-solvent cleaner. Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth. Never use any abrasive or caustic cleaners, hard scrubbers, or powdered cleaners. Once it’s clean, feel free to polish with specifically formulated wood polish. If you aren’t sure which product to use here, don’t hesitate to give us a call for our expertise.
Dealing with Damage, Dings, and Deterioration
If your custom millwork has been damaged, don’t fret. There are easy ways to repair minor nicks, scratches, and wear. Small scratches can be repaired by dipping a cotton swab into a container of matching wood stain, dabbing excess product onto a paper towel, and carefully applying the coloring to the damage. You may also see alternative methods online for fixing small scratches in wood, like rubbing the scratch with a walnut, or staining it with iodine, coffee, or tea. These tricks may work in some cases, but aren’t recommended if you’re hoping for a flawless, professional looking finish.
Get ready for some spring cleaning! Caring for woodwork is fairly easy, as far as many spring cleaning tasks go, so don’t put it off any longer. If you have any questions about caring for your particular wood, feel free to give us a call.
MAHOGANY, INC., YOUR COMMERCIAL MILLWORK COMPANY
Mahogany, Inc. is a general contractor specializing in quality construction for projects across a wide range of industries. Located in southwest Baltimore, we employ 100 persons, and are one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the state of Maryland. Make sure to check back with our blog every week!