Image: Pixabay
Your dining table is not just a functional furniture piece. It is the central part of your dwelling, where happy moments are made, tales are passed, and delightful meals are enjoyed.
Whether you've invested in a high-end hardwood table or have a cherished family heirloom, proper care and maintenance are essential to keep it looking its best for years. So, you can keep it in good shape for a long time.
In this article, we will look at five practical ways of caring for and maintaining your dining room table, thus making it the most attractive part of your room.
1. Protect Your Table from Daily Wear and Tear
Your dining table is under a constant threat of all sorts. From hot dishes and spilled drinks to scratches from cutlery, it's essential to take preventive measures to shield your table from everyday damage.
The most basic approach to dining tables protection is using placemats or tablecloths. Not only do these serve as an additional decorative element in your dining space, but they also act as a barrier between the surface of your table and possible threats.
Select heat-resistant placemats to protect against hot plates, and also consider using coasters for drinks to avoid staining and water rings on the table.
A transparent table protector could be a great choice for lively dinner parties or if you have children around. These transparent covers are made to withstand spills and scratches while letting the beauty of your table come through. They are essential for tables with complex designs or tender finishes.
2. Clean Your Table Regularly
Keeping your dining table clean is the foremost step, and it is essential to know the correct cleaning methods to avoid damaging your furniture unnecessarily. The key is to clean regularly but gently.
The daily “clean” can be done with a piece of soft, lint-free cloth soaked in warm water. Regular use of this product will get rid of most of the dust and dirt and thus, won't cause any damage to the table's finish. In the case of sticky residues, or tough stains, you can use mild dish soap in warm water to get rid of them.
Ensure you rinse the area with clean water afterward and dry it thoroughly to prevent water damage.
Avoid using aggressive chemicals or hard cleaning products that can strip away your table's finish. Instead, go for cleaning solutions meant for the exact fabric that you have on your table. For wooden tables, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and olive oil can work wonders, cleaning and nourishing the wood.
3. Address Spills and Stains Immediately
We've all been there – a glass of red wine teeters, a child's juice cup tips over, or a dollop of spaghetti sauce escapes the plate. When spills happen (and they will), quick action is your best defense against permanent stains.
The moment a spill occurs, grab a clean, soft cloth and blot the liquid. Avoid the temptation to wipe, as this can spread the spill and push it deeper into the wood grain or fabric. For wooden tables, follow up by drying the area thoroughly with another clean cloth to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
For more stubborn stains, you might need to take more targeted action. For wooden tables, a paste made from baking soda and water can help lift stains when applied gently with a soft cloth. For fabric-covered tables, a mixture of dish soap and warm water, carefully blotted onto the stain, can often do the trick.
4. Maintain the Right Environment
Your dining table, like any other piece of furniture, has an emotional response to its surroundings. When exposed to high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight, it can take a toll on your table's appearance and structural integrity.
Wooden tables are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of humidity, so it's essential to keep the moisture levels constant in your home. Wood expands with high humidity and contracts with low humidity, causing the boards to bend, crack, or loosen the joints over time.
Use a dehumidifier in summer and a humidifier in winter to help keep humidity levels stable.
Direct sunlight is another enemy of your dining table. Prolonged exposure can cause fading and discoloration, especially in wooden or upholstered tables. If your dining area receives a lot of natural light, consider using curtains or blinds to filter the sunlight during the brightest parts of the day.
5. Give Your Table Some TLC with Regular Maintenance
Like any other thing in your collection, your dining table needs a little special care from time to time. Regular maintenance can help preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan.
Wooden tables require periodic polishing to keep the wood surface shining and provide extra protection. Use the appropriate wood polish for your table's finish and apply it according to the manufacturer's recommendation. In most cases, a light application every few months is sufficient.
For tables with metal components, such as legs or decorative elements, check for any signs of rust or tarnish. The best way to keep these parts in good condition is by using a solution specifically designed for the metal type.
Finally, don't forget the significance of regular inspections. Be sure to look over your table every couple of months, checking for any loose screws, wobbly legs, or signs of wear. Fixing these problems at an early stage can prevent more significant problems down the line.
Bottom Line
Your dining table is an investment in your home and your family's comfort. A dining table that is well taken care of looks better and also shows that there is care and love in your house.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your cleaning supplies, and give your dining table the attention it deserves. Your future self and your dinner guests will thank you!
Author bio:
Sujain Thomas is a freelance content writer and blogger who has written articles for several renowned blogs and websites about Real estate and about home decor and home improvement.
