Amish furniture is particularly special in that it is made with superior craftsmanship, in the old style. So cleaning and caring for it should be your top priority once you bring it home. With the right care, it will last for eons, and can become treasured heirlooms that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
When you first get your furniture home, keep in mind that it is still curing, meaning you will want to let it be for a while. It has an adjustment period, and is affected by new environments. You will want to keep the humidity in your house in a range of 35%-45%. That way, the furniture will not crack or warp.
Keep sharp objects and harsh solvents away from the furniture. Sharp objects will scratch the surfaces, and harsh solvents can affect finishes. Also keep furniture away from places where abrupt temperature changes occur. Do not put it near furnace vents, radiators or heaters, fireplaces, and keep it out of direct sun. This will prevent the furniture from cracking.
To clean your Amish furniture you can use a solution of water and some mild soap. If you insist on using polish, stay away from polishes that contain wax and silicon, as this will cause a build-up which can make future refinishing difficult.
For upholstered pieces, spot clean the upholstery with a mild solvent or upholstery shampoo. If using a dry cleaning product, make sure it does not contain anything toxic, including carbon tetrachloride, and clean in a room that is well ventilated. You may also spot clean using the foam from mild detergent. Whatever you use read the instructions carefully and take care to protect yourself.
Your Amish furniture deserves your care and attention if you want it to stay beautiful for a long time. You don’t have to put in a lot of time, but regular cleaning and maintenance is a good idea. For table tops, use tablecloths or table pads to keep the finish in good shape. And if you must put a glass top on the table, be sure there is good air flow between the top of the table and the glass.
Amish furniture remains one of the most sought after styles of furniture, especially because of the care with which it is crafted. Using these simple tips, you can keep it in good shape for years to come.
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