There’s nothing quite like the beauty of reclaimed wood but, keeping it in beautiful condition for years to come is the hard part.
So, how do you take care of your new reclaimed wood table? Tampa Bay Salvage has you covered in this guide.
Maintenance and Proper Care is Key
Reclaimed wood is solid, virtually indestructible, that’s probably a reason why you chose it to sit at one of the main hearts of your home as your dining table. But, without proper care and maintenance, even the time tested reclaimed wood can falter.
Using the correct tools and cleaners is essential to give your piece the long life and maximum use you can get out of it. We will get into those details later but first, we have to determine which table you have.
The Difference Between Stained vs. Untreated Reclaimed Wood Tables
Before you purchase the table confirm whether the piece has been properly finished. Has the table been treated to protect it from potential spills and stains?
If not, you’ll need to finish the piece yourself or have the shop do it for you. There are a variety of different options from varnish to oil, to polyurethane. To capture the unique character and dimension of the reclaimed boards, shellac varnish does a great job of protecting the table while also showcasing the beautiful wood grain.
However, shellac doesn’t do well with liquids so it might be a better choice for a table destined for a library, office, or other room in your home where it won’t have a constant risk of liquid exposure. Spills need to be cleaned up ASAP to avoid degrading the surface of the table.
Invest in a High-Quality Wood Cleaner
Now that you know what kind of table you’re dealing with, you’ll need a cleaner to clean it with.
Lots of natural cleaning blogs recommend using a solution of olive oil and white vinegar mixed with water to clean reclaimed wood furniture. The reason being is this cleaning solution is all-natural and non-toxic.
The white vinegar and oil combination works best on reclaimed wood tables that are untreated. This means that the table has not been brushed with a finishing oil or shellac.
If your reclaimed wood table has been sealed/treated using a gentle soap and a soft rag is a much better idea.
Reclaimed Wood Tables Are Beautiful Because Of Their Imperfections But Those Need Special Cleaning Tools
Because of the grain and knots and other wonderful that is on your table, you’ll need more than a simple rag to thoroughly clean the table.
Soft paintbrushes do a good job of getting crumbs and other food debris from out of the nooks and crannies. You can also use an air pressure can for computer cleaning to get out any stubborn crumbs.
The Best Strategy is Quick Action
The last thing you want to do is let any sort of spill or accident sit on the tabletop for an extended period of time.
Ideally, you should remove the crumbs and any liquid spills from your reclaimed wood table as soon as you can. Food crumbs can have oils that may stain the table and liquid spills can create the same threat of staining your reclaimed wood table.
Investing in a small, soft-bristled paintbrush or something like it to help keep your table clear of any crumbs that may invade the knots and cracks.
Other Tips to Keep Your Reclaimed Wood Table in Tip-Top Shape
Here are some great ways to avoid damage to your table:
- Keep coasters on the table to give guests the clue to use one
- Avoid placing hot plates and dishes directly on the wood. Use a hot plate or oven-safe mitt underneath
- Don’t leave your table in direct sunlight
- Use an umbrella to protect a reclaimed wood table meant for your outdoor patio
If you forget to use a coaster and end up with a water ring you can use some of the DIY methods that won’t harm the wood. Non-gel toothpaste and a little furniture polish is a good choice to buff it out.
Placing hot dishes on the table can leave scorch marks and other awful marks that are near impossible to get rid of. Sun can cause cracking and warping and further deterioration of the wood used for the table.
Ready For a Reclaimed Wood Table of Your Very Own?
We are excited to help you with that purchase here at Tampa Bay Salvage.
Click here for our full selection of beautiful antiques and reclaimed wood tables and furniture.
