Furniture Maintenance: Elm Furniture
Introduction: Furniture maintenance is a major concern these days. Many people now use elm furniture in their homes. Compared to hardwood furniture, elm furniture has a lower density and shrinks more when it dries or expands when it wets. Furthermore, most elm furniture these days isn't painted, only waxed. Therefore, elm furniture is relatively prone to warping. Indoor temperatures should be maintained between 20-30°C and humidity between 40% and 50%. Besides this, what other maintenance tips are there?
1. Wipe frequently to prevent insects
Elm furniture has a sweet smell that attracts termites, so it should be cleaned frequently. Use a clean, soft, dry cloth and rub gently back and forth along the wood grain. Closed furniture, such as cabinets, should be filled with a suitable amount of solid moth repellent to prevent infestation.
2. Try not to place corrosive and dyeing items
Elm furniture not only has a low density but also has a strong hygroscopicity. Therefore, try not to place corrosive or staining chemicals on the surface of the furniture, such as detergents, hot water cups, ink, etc.
3. Keep temperature and humidity constant
Compared to hardwood furniture, elm furniture has a lower density, so it shrinks more when it's dry and expands more when it's wet. Furthermore, most elm furniture these days isn't painted, only waxed. Therefore, elm furniture is relatively susceptible to warping, and indoor temperatures should be maintained between 20-30°C and 40-50% humidity. Avoid excessively damp or dry areas, such as stoves, radiators, and basements, to prevent mold and cracking. If you live in a low-lying, bungalow, try to elevate the legs of your furniture to prevent moisture from corroding them. If possible, nail rubber pads or small pieces of wood to the feet of your furniture.
4. Avoid long-term exposure to the sun
Try not to place elm furniture in the sun, especially in front of large south-facing glass windows. Long-term direct sunlight will cause the furniture to fade and crack.
5. Elm antique furniture should also be maintained regularly
Under normal circumstances, waxing is done once a quarter.
6. Do not pull or drag when moving
Elm wood has a "random grain," so when moving or transporting furniture, be gentle and careful, avoiding pulling or tugging to avoid damaging the mortise and tenon joints. Tables and chairs should not be lifted from the top, as they can easily fall off. Tables and chairs should be lifted from the sides and bottoms. Cabinets are best lifted with the doors removed to reduce weight and prevent movement. If moving particularly heavy furniture, use a soft rope looped under the chassis to lift and move.
7. Try to avoid weight bearing
To prevent furniture from deformation, try to avoid placing heavy objects on the surface of furniture for a long time, such as TVs, fish tanks, etc. When placing items, a layer of soft film should be placed on the surface, and be gentle when moving and placing them to avoid damage.
The above are the maintenance methods for elm furniture. I hope it will be helpful to everyone.