How to Maintain Wooden Furniture in UAE’s Humidity?

An ideal home can be given warmth, elegance, and character by employing wooden furniture, but if you stay in the United Arab Emirates, the struggle to keep them in perfect condition comes alive. Heavy humidity, scorching daylight, high wind, and occasional sandstorms can wreak havoc on such beautiful wooden pieces. Do you want to know why? This is because wood tends to expand and contract with changing moisture levels in the air and, eventually, leads to these effects: warping, cracking, and sometimes mold growth. But hey! In short, by following the correct care routine, your furniture will still be as astonishing as the day you brought it home. So, let’s get to know the best ways to protect and maintain your precious items in UAE’s humid weather.

Why Humidity and Heat Can Harm Your Wooden Furniture

You would spend money on a solid mahogany wood bed only to wake up one fine day to find tiny cracks forming all over its surface – most frustrating, without a doubt. Now the question arises WHY? Wood usually absorbs water from the humid air, which leads to swelling of your furniture.

Similarly, when the air dries up, it makes wood shrink, which leads to the development of cracks and weakened joints of furniture. No wonder that the harsh sun from the UAE also plays its part in fading the rich hue of wood, which makes it look dull. So if you’ve ever noticed any of these changes creeping into your furniture, it’s high time to act before further, irreversible damage sets in.

Best Practices to Prevent Warping and Damage

Controlling exposure to moisture and heat is one of the major things that can help anyone in the UAE keep wooden furniture. Here’s how you can do that effectively:

1. Use a Dehumidifier

If you’re feeling sticky, or heavy inside your home, this one’s for your furniture! Dehumidifiers help to obtain an optimal humidity level at which wood cannot absorb excess moisture. Wooden furniture should be kept below 40-50% humidity for best results. This simple addition can manifestly improve your furniture’s life, especially delicate pieces like a handcrafted teak wood sectional sofa that requires extra care.

2. Keep Furniture Away from Direct Sunlight

Who doesn’t like a bright and airy home? However, sunlight can fade and dry out wooden furniture over time if came in contact directly.  Therefore, position your furniture far from the window, or use curtains and blinds to filter sunlight for your precious pieces. A lovely sheath of protective tablecloth or a tough SHEESHAM wood coffee table under a protective glass top can reduce exposure while letting the beauty shine through.

3. Regular Cleaning is a Must

Neglecting regular cleaning would mean that dust will accumulate and moisture will be attracted to the wood. Now here’s the trick, – don’t start scrubbing up anything with an all-purpose cleaner. Dust with a soft, dry cloth every day. Now and then use a slightly damp microfiber cloth lightly soiled with a mild wood cleaner for deeper cleanings. If your hardwood frame loveseat is turning dull, then polishing it with a high-quality wood conditioner will restore its beauty while also providing a protective barrier against the humid air.

Recommended Products and Cleaning Routines

The right products are paramount in facilitating wooden furniture to keep onto pristine look. The following are enjoyed along the process:

Wood Polish or Conditioner: Nourishes the wood and keeps it from drying out and cracking. Use every few months to maintain a consistent finish.

Beeswax/ Furniture Wax: As per my experience, wax is another life savior because it builds a protective barrier against moisture and dust accumulation on your furniture.

Try Mild Cleaners: In my opinion, it’s better to avoid harsh cleaners that strip natural oils from the wood and switch towards better alternatives such as pH-neutral cleaners for added longevity.

Use Microfiber Cloths: I would recommend you go for a soft and moist microfiber cloth for dusting and cleaning without scratching the surface.

Handling Accidental Spills and Stains

Accidents happen, and spills are most likely to occur if one loves entertaining. Whether it is a splash of coffee on your SHEESHAM wood coffee table or an unbidden ring of water on your nightstand, it pays to act rather quickly. Blot (never rub) off the spill with a dry cloth and proceed to wipe any residue with a relatively mild cleaner for wood. Alternatively, gentle rubbing with a paste of baking soda and water may do a superb job of removing stubborn stains without causing harm to the wood surface.

Protection for Wooden Furniture during Seasonal Changes

Extreme shifts in weather conditions are the hallmark of the UAE, from humid summers to cooler winters, leading to drastic changes in safety measures as well. Such drastic changes create stress for wooden furniture, causing expansion and contraction. The following are some ways in which furniture can be stabilized throughout the year:

• During the summer season, open windows, and doors by avoiding direct sunlight exposure to the furniture and use fans or air conditioning to increase air circulation and control moisture.
• In winter, make sure to keep the humidity level even with a humidifier to avoid wood from going brittle.
• During sandstorms, wooden pieces can be protected from abrasive dust by fabric throws or plastic covers.

Why Investing in Quality Furniture Matters

While maintenance is important, starting with quality pieces gives a good leg up on durability. Solid woods like mahogany for your bed and teak for a sectional sofa will withstand humidity and use much better than more flimsy varieties. These woods contain oils that naturally repel moisture, ranking them highest on our list of great furniture choices for residents of the UAE looking for durable materials.

Final Thoughts

The aspects of taking care of wooden furniture in the UAE climate don’t necessarily have to be complicated. A little goes a long way in preventing damage and preserving the natural beauty of wood. Following all these seemingly little changes using the dehumidifier, avoiding direct sunlight on furniture, to well-followed cleaning schedules go a long way.

In case you’d like to save your furniture further, check our guide on quick tips for cleaning leather sofas and the ultimate guide for buying the latest furniture, for more. With proper maintenance, your furniture will not only hold its ground in the harsh weather of the UAE but thrive with it. Cheers!