Three Steps for Maintaining Your Wood Molding

The addition of custom wood molding in your building often represents a significant investment. As you include accents to your décor, such as wainscoting and moldings, you’ll create an environment that is appealing in both residential and professional settings. In the workplace, millwork can be found in healthcare facilities, corporate offices, restaurants and hotels, and educational establishments. After making this investment, you’ll want to protect the millwork so that it continues to reflect its original quality of workmanship. Happily, millwork doesn’t require a lot of attention, so the little amount of care that is required should be pretty simple. Read on to learn more and click here to see some beautiful options. 

One of the most important ways to protect this investment is to take preventative steps. Wood naturally absorbs water, so if there is too much moisture in the air, the wood will expand. If there isn’t enough moisture, the wood can dry out and contract. Either situation can lead to the need for repairs. You can prevent a lot of expense and work by maintaining the appropriate level of humidity in your establishment. You can discuss this with the company that creates and installs your custom wood molding, but a good estimate is found between 40 and 45 percent. Too much direct sunlight and heat can also damage the wood. 

The best way to keep your millwork clean is to dust it consistently. It’s natural for dust to accumulate on finished surfaces, especially in areas that don’t get a lot of traffic, such as hard-to-reach moldings. You might be tempted to ignore dust, especially when you can’t see it, but this is a mistake. Dust can actually damage the woodwork by scratching it. Protect the quality of your woodwork by dusting it once or twice a week, or even on a daily basis. An electrostatic cloth is a great tool when used to attract dust and remove it from the details of your millwork. 

High traffic areas, such as around the knobs and handles used to open cabinets or decorative molding within the reach of children, should be cleaned regularly as well. The buildup of grease, oil, and fingerprints can quickly dull the beautiful finish of the wood. You can protect the wood by using the handles rather than the wood itself to open cabinets. When a greasy residue does buildup, you can use a mild solution of water and soap to clean the area. Be sure to use water sparingly and to thoroughly rinse the area even if you’ve used a very mild solution. After cleaning the wood, use a dry cloth to completely dry the area. Neglecting this last step can result in a dull and faded finish. 

The ongoing care you provide for your wood will show for many years to come in the long-lasting beauty of the custom wood molding. Those wood accents can be used to create many different looks in your home or facility. Protect the beauty of wood elements and your entire establishment by providing the ongoing maintenance and repairs necessary to keep dust and grease away from the decorative surfaces.