Keep Wooden Homeware Looking Good All Year Round With These Seasonal Care Tips

When it comes to blending functionality and natural beauty, nothing beats wooden homeware. Better yet, these charming pieces (think wooden bowls, candleholders, and lampshades) are one of our favorite design tricks to make any home feel more warm and cozy. Well, until they lose their shine, get grimy, or become moldy. To prevent that, you'll want to add seasonal wood care to your cleaning routine. It's not rocket science, and it doesn't require a bunch of products. At most, all you need to buy is a wood polisher.

The premise is simple: Spring is for deep-cleaning your wooden pieces. Summer is for managing high humidity and sun exposure. Autumn is for preventing dryness. And winter is for dealing with temperature fluctuations. Why go to all this trouble, you ask? Because changes in weather can easily affect wood, leading to warping, cracking, shrinkage, and discoloration. Plus, there's the frustration that comes with watching your favorite wooden décor deteriorate. We've got you covered with the ultimate guide to taking any wooden homeware from dull to fresh, no matter the season.

Spring is synonymous with fresh beginnings, so it only makes sense to thoroughly clean each of your wooden handicrafts during this period. First, dust them with a soft cloth. Then, gently wipe each piece with a barely damp cloth. If dirt and grime have accumulated, you could resort to a gentle wood cleaner (like the Glo Pack of 3 Wood Furniture 2-in-1 Clean and Polish) or concoct a mixture of mild non-alkaline soap and water to get rid of gummy buildups. Follow it up with a clean, dry cloth to wipe off excess moisture. 

Now, it might be tempting to end the cleaning there, but treating the wood is key to keeping it looking its best. This is when a wood polish or wax comes in clutch. Choose the former if your wooden item has an oil coating on it, and the latter if the wood has been waxed. Not only will this step restore your piece's shine, it also adds a protective layer. And if you're out of wood polisher, the solution might be in your fridge — aka beer.

Once summer rolls around, position your items away from windows or anywhere sunlight can reach them. Sunlight exposure can cause wood to fade and discolor over time. If moving them is not an option, though, make use of blinds and curtains, or even apply a solar film on your windows, which will block the sun's harsh rays. Summer is also prime time for extreme humidity fluctuations. So, regularly check for signs of mold and promptly address them with distilled white vinegar (a powerful mold killer you already have at home).

The arrival of autumn brings a drop in humidity, and, just like us humans, wood is susceptible to drying out and cracking during the cooler seasons. If that's the case for you, consider it a sign that you need a humidifier in your home to keep indoor humidity at a balanced level. Both your skin and wooden furnishings will thank you.

As for care, autumn is the perfect time to re-apply your wood polish to replenish moisture and nourish the material. Don't forget to also oil your wooden kitchenware if they're looking dry and a little less shiny. In this scenario, it's best to use a natural oil that's food-safe, such as beeswax, walnut oil, and raw linseed oil. These are guaranteed to bring a new lease of life to hard-working wooden cutting boards, bowls, plates, trays, and cooking utensils without being toxic.

By wintertime, your wooden accessories should be looking fresh and rejuvenated. All that's left to do is keep them away from heat sources (radiators and fireplaces are another major cause of drying and cracking). Likewise, avoid placing your beloved homeware near external doors, windows, or any areas that experience sudden temperature shifts.