Wood furniture can be the perfect way to give your home the look that you desire, while still maintaining a traditional feel. And while wood furniture is beautiful, it is especially susceptible to dents and dings. Here are some ways to fix scratches and stains on wood furniture, along with some tips on how to remove any lingering odors.

Fixing Scratches on Wood Furniture

There is no doubt that it can be frustrating when you notice that one of your favorite wooden pieces of furniture has become scratched. However, do not fret, as there are some very simple, yet effective ways to remove scratches from wood. One of the best ways to diminish a scratch on a wood surface is by using tea. To do so, brew up a batch of black tea, and then let it steep until the color is close to that of the wood furniture item to be fixed. From there, use a cotton swab to dab the scratched area and then wipe off any excess tea. This practice can greatly reduce the appearance scratches.

If the scratch is only on the surface material and does not run deep into the wood, then you can also try using mineral oil. For this technique, apply a bit of mineral oil to a soft cloth and gently rub the scratched area. This will help to take away the scratch and leave a nice, smooth surface behind. While this sounds rudimentary, you may be surprised at how well it can work.

Removing Stains from Wood Furniture

If you have ever set a wet glass on a wood surface then you may be aware that this will sometimes result in a water ring or water spot. Depending on the severity of the water stain, you may need to strip off the finish and re-stain the surface. However, if the water spot is only affecting the wax coating on top of the stain, then there is a good chance you will be able to remove it. To do so, take a soft rag and apply mineral spirits to it. From there, give the water spot a gentle wiping and there is a good chance that the spot will instantly disappear.

If mineral spirits don?t do the trick, then you can also try the same technique using denatured alcohol. Both of these chemicals could ruin the finish, so it is wise to test them in an inconspicuous area first and always make sure that you use them in well-ventilated areas. These methods will not only work for removing stains on tabletops, but also on other pieces, such as dressers, nightstands, and the arm rests of chairs.

Removing Odors

It may be surprising, but wood furniture can actually take on odors from the surrounding environment. For instance, if you have a piece of wood furniture that has been in a home where cigarette smoke was present, then there is a chance that the wood will smell like smoke. There are many ways to fight odors in wood, and one of the best ways is by using odor absorbing substances. To remove odors, try placing a bowl of vinegar inside the wood item, such as in a dresser drawer, and let it sit for a few days. This practice should help to absorb the odor from the wood. In addition, other substances like baking soda or kitty litter can also be used in place of the vinegar.

In Summary

It is no secret that wood furniture can be delicate, and therefore it is commonplace to for scratches and stains to occur. If your wood furniture has been scratched, try applying some steeped black tea to the scratch using a cotton swab or a bit of mineral oil. If the piece has been stained, then moisten a soft cloth with mineral oil or denatured alcohol and give it a gentle wiping. Lastly, if odors need to be removed, try using an odor absorbing substance like vinegar or baking soda to take away the smell. All of these methods have been shown to be effective, but always exercise caution by testing solvents before using them on a wood surface.