Updated at: 30-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Saving water-damaged wood furniture and avoiding the expense of having to buy new are both possible benefits of learning how to salvage water-damaged wood. It’s all about drying the wood, cleaning it, and making any necessary repairs to save your wooden furniture.

When water seeps into wood, it rots and damages it to the point where there is no going back. You can extend the life of your furniture with a combination of quick action and common home materials. Find out how to save your furniture from water damage by reading on!

How To Salvage Soaked Wooden Furniture

Step #1. Place the furniture away from moisture

You must pull your wooden furniture out of the water as quickly as possible if you want to keep it safe. If the piece of furniture is exposed to rain on a regular basis, it should be moved indoors.

If the wooden furniture is kept indoors, finding the source of moisture might be helpful. Determine whether or not there are any leaking pipes or dishwashing overflows.

After discovering the cause of water damage, you may either fix it yourself or hire a plumber for help. To determine if water damage is covered by your insurance, review your policy or speak with an attorney.

Step #2. Dry the furniture completely

Now that the furniture has been protected from further water damage, it is time to allow it to dry. To remove as much water as possible from the furniture, use thick pieces of cloth, towels, or blankets to pat dry and wipe it. In order to hasten the drying process, it’s best to open and remove all of the doors from your cabinet.

Sprinkle baking soda into the furniture to speed up the drying process. The furniture can also be blasted with high-volume electric fans, humidifiers, and hair dryers. Every few hours, check to see if the furniture has dried completely.

How to Fix Water Damaged Swollen Wood Furniture: 5 Ways

Avoid drying your furniture in the sun if at all possible. Wood that is exposed to direct sunlight can buckle and distort.

Step #3. Cleaning up

You should inspect the furniture for symptoms of mold or mildew as soon as it is dry. The sooner you remove these threats, the better off you and your family are.

Mold and mildew can be treated with a 1-cup bleach solution in a 1-gallon bucket of warm water. Use white vinegar and water in the same proportions. To get rid of mold spores, use a piece of cloth and the solution to wipe the surface of the wood.

The furniture can be cleaned when the solution dries, removing any dirt or evidence of mold and mildew. When cleaning wood, it’s best to use a product specifically designed for that purpose.

Step #4. Doing repairs

Wooden furniture that has been exposed to water for an extended period of time may have been damaged. Some types of wood are more susceptible than others to swelling and warping. There are ways to fix these indicators.

If your furniture is warping or swelling, you can protect it from wilting more by screwing in 2x4s while they are still slightly damp. A carpenter’s glue and clamps will be required if the wood is fracturing. Clamp the pieces together until the glue cures, then apply more glue as needed between the layers of wood.

The furniture may need to be refinished by lightly sanding the surface. Once the furniture has been sanded, thoroughly wipe it down to eliminate any fine dust or debris.

Applying wood sealers to the surface will help keep it protected from future water damage. Wood stains can be used to restore the item’s original appearance and provide an additional layer of protection.

Step #5. Finishing up

All that’s left to do is reassemble the furniture, which has been dried, cleaned, and fixed. In the first stage, you may have removed cabinet doors, couch panels, or other items. Now, reattach them.

Mold and mildew should be checked before restoring the furniture to its original location. The same water-vinegar solution can be used to clear up any mold development. Make sure the area is free of bacteria and fungi by thoroughly disinfecting it.

Oxalic acid and 6 parts warm water are all that’s needed to erase water stains from a surface. Scrub the water stain with a brush after applying a generous amount.

After cleaning and drying the surfaces, it’s time to put the furniture back where it belongs. Close any cabinet doors or drawers before putting the contents back in.

9 Benefits of Wooden Furniture

1. Flawless Natural Look

The examples and lines in wood are very impressive. Right now, most people think it’s fantastic. It explains why the finishing is created to show off the quality as well. A pleasant feeling.

2. Strong and Strong

Solid wood is now more common than ever. Even if you have a lot of responsibilities, you can rely on this level of strength. There’s no need to worry about making a replacement any time soon.

3. Simple to Keep

Managers benefit handsomely from the solidity as well. Termites and growth won’t do any harm, therefore we don’t need to worry about leaving it open. 9 Advantages of Using Wooden Furniture in Your Living Room

4. Simple to Clean

To clean it, all you have to do is wipe it down. You may require a cleaning item to remove the stain, but it will be basic and straightforward.

How To Fix Water Damaged Swollen Wood Furniture (Super Helpful!) - 1-Tom-Plumber

5. Climates Resistant

This piece of furniture can be used all year round. Open-air wood furniture does not require capacity if it is available.

6. Extraordinary Décor

Due to its natural beauty and elegance, your wooden furniture will serve as excellent focal points and décor items that will draw attention from all visitors. It has a style that is both current and dated.

7. Commendable Investment

The price can be prohibitive, especially if it’s a top-tier model. In any event, it will be a solid and savvy investment. At the same time, you receive the best quality, the best value, and the most comforting experience.

8. Eco-Friendly

Unlike plastic, this material does not pollute the natural environment. You don’t have to be concerned about the tree’s impact on the environment because it grows so quickly.

9. Adaptable

At any time, we can switch out the furniture. Both inside and outside the structure are possible locations. It is going to look fantastic all the time because it will be in the right place.

5 Ways to Naturally Protect Wood From Water Damage

1. Olive Oil and Lemon

Using olive oil and lemon juice, make a three-to-two ratio. Alternatively, it can be applied with a polishing rag that has been soaked in the mixture. Spray bottles or jars can be used to keep the solution fresh. The end. Despite our best efforts, the air still smells like lemons, and the wood has been well-cared-for.

2. Coconut Oil

There are moments when it seems like we’ve gone overboard with the chemicals in our lives. Coconut oil is a miracle worker. A damp rag is all that is needed to clean the wood, then allow it to dry before applying coconut oil. There are numerous benefits to using this product. It’s also a pleasant scent, despite the fact that it isn’t what you’d expect from furniture polish.

3. Oil and Vinegar

Who the hell are we fooling around with here? Most salad dressings are based on oil and vinegar, which means they can’t be any riskier. In addition, a wood sealer made from three parts canola oil and one part vinegar works wonders in protecting wood from insects, wear, and water. Unlike sanding off the varnish to rejuvenate the wood, this product can be reapplied.

4. Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is derived from flax, making it a natural product. In reality, it has a bad odor and takes a long time to dry. However, the wait may be worth it. If you’re using “boiled” linseed as a natural sealant ingredient, make sure it doesn’t contain any petroleum-based additives. Raw linseed oil can be purchased and boiled at home, according to some.

5. Good Preserving Practices

When it comes to our health, we sometimes wait until it’s too late to address something that should have been avoided in the first place. The same principles apply to the behavior of wood. We should take precautionary measures to maintain our wood in the first place, as overexposure to sunshine and water can accelerate its decomposition. Make sure to mop up any spills, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, where water tends to gather.

Instead of waiting until they are absolutely necessary, we should apply these natural sealants on a regular basis to ensure healthier, longer-lasting wood as well as healthier, longer-lasting lives for ourselves.

10 Tips for Taking Care of Wood Furniture

1. Don’t Mistreat Furniture

Use coasters when laying glasses or mugs on wood tables and never place hot food directly on them without the protection of a trivet or potholder to avoid rings and heat damage. Placemats or a cloth can protect your dining room table from food and drink spillage.

2. Avoid Environmental Damage

When exposed to the elements, your excellent wood will be damaged. The light and heat from unprotected windows, vents, or fireplaces can harm and fade precious furniture.

3. Dust Often

Dusting is a duty that no one enjoys, but it is one of the greatest methods to keep your furniture in good condition. Wood can be scratched by a filmy layer formed by airborne particles. Dusting on a regular basis prevents the accumulation of dust. To avoid tearing, use soft cloth, such as cotton T-shirts, cloth diapers, or microfiber. Using a lambswool duster to clean delicate carvings or hard-to-reach areas is a terrific idea.

4. Keep Your Wood Clean

If dusting doesn’t do the trick, you’ll have to give your wood furniture a good cleaning. All-purpose cleansers can damage the finish, so avoid using them. Dip a towel in water containing a little dish detergent if you have a spot that is extremely dirty or sticky. Gently clean the area with the wrung-out cloth. After rinsing with a damp cloth just containing water, use a soft dry cloth to finish wiping the surface.

5. Protect Your Wood

Most commercial sprays and polishes use either silicone oil or petroleum distillates to give your wood a new sheen while also protecting it. Do not overdo it with product, since this can lead to an unsightly accumulation of dirt and grime. To avoid this accumulation, always buff well when applying products, and never use these products with a wax protectant because the combination will result in another sticky mess.

6. Treat Wear and Tear

Wooden furniture can be damaged even if it is cared for properly. Old English Scratch Cover is a good choice for minor dings and dings. This liquid polish conceals scuffs and scratches, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.

A more radical solution may be necessary if the damage is too significant to be repaired with polishes or touch-up sticks and you aren’t ready to give up your prized possession. Repainting a piece of worn-out furniture can give it fresh life and extend its useful life. Painting also saves you time because you don’t have to sand, something you can’t do if you want to re-stain your home.

7. Re-Oil Dry Wood

You may need to re-oil furniture that has been stored for a long period of time if it becomes too dry. Prep the surface by using #0000 steel wool and always working with the grain to remove any loose paint or dirt. Apply a generous amount of furniture oil and allow it to soak in for around 15 minutes before moving on to the next step. Allow at least 24 hours for your furniture to dry before applying a protective covering.

8. Re-Wax as Needed

Some pieces of furniture have a wax protective coating, depending on the finish. Re-waxing may be necessary as these pieces get older in order to keep them safe. Always use fine #0000 steel wool to prepare the surface before wiping it clean with a delicate towel. Using a Scotch Brite pad and gentle pressure, apply a coat of wax and spread it out along the grain. Don’t let the wax sit for more than 20 minutes before removing it from the mold. Use a clean Scotch Brite pad to remove any remaining wax, and then a soft towel to buff the surface until it is silky smooth.

Repair Water Damaged Wood

9. Keep Wood Smelling Fresh

Older items, especially if they’ve been stored, might develop an unpleasant stench. Baking soda can be sprinkled on the surface to remove odors, and a pan of charcoal can be placed inside drawers to absorb odors that come from within. A warm, dry day can even be used to get rid of a malodorous odour and restore your furniture to its former glory.

10. Remove Tough Stains

Despite your best efforts, your beautiful wood furniture will get discolored at some point. No matter what kind of stain you have, the longer you wait to clean it up, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it later on.

  • Apply a mixture of equal parts white toothpaste and baking soda to remove white rings from damp glasses. When you’re done with the stain, rub it out with it. Then, use a dry cloth to wipe off the furniture and shine it up.
  • If water damage has left dark patches, dab the stain lightly with a vinegar-soaked towel.
  • Apply mayonnaise to erase crayon smudges. When you’re ready to clean it up, give it some time to sit before using a damp cloth and a dry cloth.

While it may take some time and work, taking good care of your wood furniture will ensure that it lasts for many years to come and looks and feels just like the day you first purchased.

Conclusion

To save money and avoid throwing away a piece of functioning furniture, learn how to salvage water-damaged wood. You may easily repair and reuse the piece of furniture by following a five-step technique.