Wooden Decorations add warmth and artistic atmosphere to the home environment due to their natural materials and unique texture. However, if they are not properly maintained, they are prone to cracking and other problems, affecting their beauty and service life. Here are some ways to prevent cracking by daily maintenance of Wooden Decorations.
First, it is crucial to control the humidity of the environment. Wood is hygroscopic, and an overly dry or humid environment may cause cracking. The ideal indoor humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%. In dry seasons, a humidifier can be used to increase the humidity of the air; in humid seasons, proper ventilation and dehumidification are required. For example, during winter heating, the indoor air is often drier, and turning on a humidifier at this time can effectively prevent Wooden Decorations from cracking due to water loss.
Secondly, avoid direct sunlight. Long-term exposure to sunlight will cause the moisture in the wood to evaporate quickly, resulting in dryness and cracking. Therefore, Wooden Decorations should be placed in a position to avoid direct sunlight. For example, do not place it directly next to a south-facing window, and you can protect the decorations by drawing the curtains or adjusting the placement.
Regular cleaning is also an important part of maintenance. Use a soft, clean, dry cloth to gently wipe to remove dust and stains from the surface. Avoid using a damp cloth or detergent containing chemicals to prevent the wood from absorbing water or corroding. If there are stubborn stains, you can gently wipe with a small amount of mild soapy water, and then wipe it dry immediately with a dry cloth.
In addition, applying maintenance oil or wax to Wooden Decorations regularly can play a good protective role. Maintenance oil can moisturize the wood and enhance its toughness and water resistance. Choose maintenance oil suitable for the type of wood, apply it evenly on the surface of the decoration according to the instructions, and then wipe off the excess oil with a clean cloth. For example, for hardwood decorations, you can choose tung oil; for softwood, you can use beeswax.
It is also critical to pay attention to temperature changes. Avoid placing Wooden Decorations in places where the temperature changes drastically, such as near air conditioning vents, heating equipment, etc. Rapid temperature changes can cause the wood to expand or contract, increasing the risk of cracking.
When carrying and moving Wooden Decorations, be gentle and avoid collisions and scratches, as these damages may become the starting point of cracking in the future.
Finally, if you don't use Wooden Decorations for a long time, it is best to wrap them with soft materials and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place.
In short, by controlling the humidity of the environment, avoiding direct sunlight, regular cleaning, applying maintenance oil, paying attention to temperature changes, carefully handling and properly storing, you can effectively maintain Wooden Decorations, prevent them from cracking, and keep their beauty and value for a long time.
