Most people invest in a buffet table for its decorative qualities. An elegant side table that sits beneath a beautiful mirror or supports a vase of fresh flowers is a sophisticated addition to any room. However, these dining room, hallway, and living room tables only stay beautiful if you take proper care of them. Due to the intricate woodwork and designs, you cannot use normal high power cleaners on these tables. Here are some tips on how to take care of your fine woodwork furniture!

The first step is to determine what type of finish you have on your wood table. Ideally, you already know the answer but, if you do not, you will need to conduct a little experiment. Find a few drops of boiled linseed oil and apply it to an inconspicuous part of the piece. If the wood absorbs the oil, it is an oil finish; if it does not, it is a hard finish. What type of finish you have will determine how you care for the wood later on.

Where you place the piece of furniture in the room will have a huge affect on the life span of your buffet table.  Keep your table away from direct sunlight and all air conditioning/heating vents. The sunlight will not only dry out the wood, it may also bleach the color of your buffet. You also do not want your table to be exposed to varying temperatures or extreme humidity. This setting could cause warping or cracking.

For a routine cleaning at least once a week, you need to dust. The technique is the same no matter what type of finish you have. Use a lint-free, absorbent cloth for to wipe down the surface gently.  Never leave water on the wood, remove it as soon as possible. If you have a flower vase placed there, put a protective surface underneath it so that water does not seep onto the wood surface.

Once a year, do a mild-soap and water cleaning of your buffet table. Create a sudsy solution and wipe down your buffet table with a wrung-out, soft cloth. Wipe down with the sudsy cloth, followed by a wet, non-soapy cloth, and finish with a lint-free cloth to dry. For more extensive cleanings, removal of stains, or water damage, you need to look up what methods and cleaners are best for the type of finish you have.