Many believe that natural ingredients are always safe, but some may ruin wooden furniture irreversiblely. Find out which are the enemies hidden to avoid to keep the wood beautiful and protected.
It is often thought that a cloth is enough and a little “natural magic” to polish a wooden cabinet. But are you sure that the ingredients you use are not slowly corroding or by staining the surfaces? It is worth taking a look at those who, although it seems harmless, risk doing more damage than well.
Sometimes it happens to use grandmother’s remedies without knowing if they are really compatible with modern finishes. Some natural substances may penetrate the wood and alter the color permanently. A small mistake today could cost you dearly tomorrow: better to know what to avoid to regret later.
Vinegar: the acid that can discolor the wood
L’white vinegaroften exalted as a miraculous remedy for domestic cleaning, is one of the main guilty. Its corrosive power, due to acetic acid, can fade the paint And leave halos difficult to remove, also damaging the untreated wood and penetrating the internal fibers. Even if diluted, it remains too aggressive for delicate surfaces and risks affecting protective finishes or drying natural fibers.
In some cases it may even encourage the formation of microscopic cracks in the paint which over time widens. It is believed that a little vinegar make everything shine, but on the wood the result can be exactly the opposite: opaque surfaces, irregular spots and a rough sensation to the touch, with a persistent smell that remains for days and a matte patina that does not go away easily.
Sodium bicarbonate: abrasive and traitor
Il baking soda He is another false friend. Many use it thinking that it is delicate, but in reality it is an abrasive that can scratch Wood, especially if applied directly and rubbed with force. This ingredient, so common in natural cleaning, is not suitable for wood at all.
The risk increases if the furniture has a lucid or lacquered finish or if it is already a little worn. It is interesting to note that such a widespread ingredient can prove to be a “silent enemy” for furniture that need much softer care. In addition, it can accumulate in the veins creating an unsightly dusty effect.
- Graffia the surface if rubbed with energy or hard sponges
- It can opacify the shiny paints making them off and opaque
- Leaves dusty residues that are difficult to eliminate and infiltrate the cracks
- In the long run it can dry the wood instead of nourishing it
Lemon: acid and photosensitive
Also the lemon juice It is widely recommended in “green” cleaning, but contains acids capable of stain and discolour the wood. If used pure or left to act for a long time, it can alter the natural shade and encourage the formation of clearer areas, even on dark and fine woods. In addition, the combined lemon with sunlight can trigger chemical reactions that dry out wood and damage surface paints.
It should not be forgotten that its slightly corrosive effect can penetrate the fibers and ruin surface protection. Often it also leaves sticky residues that attract dust and dirt, creating an unpleasant opaque effect. We would say a fresh and fragrant remedy, but risks transforming into a thin trap, with damage that requires professional interventions to be repaired, and that are not always resolved with a simple polishing.
Vegetable oils: the risk of halos and spraying
Finally, the Natural Oli Like olive, they are used to “feed” wood, but if they are not specific for furniture they can create a sticky patina that attracts dust and dirt. Sometimes they penetrate the veins and change the finish permanently.
Over time, these oils also tend to spray, emanating bad smells and staining wood permanently, and in some cases they can encourage the appearance of dark hals that are difficult to remove. It is easy to think that a natural oil is always beneficial, but caution is needed on wood: only products formulated for this purpose are really safe and guarantee a protective effect without side effects.
Is it therefore worth asking: is it better to risk with do -it -yourself methods, following advice here and there, or rely on products designed for the wood? After all, preventing is increasingly easier than remedying damage now done, especially if they are valuable furniture or delicate surfaces that deserve targeted treatments.
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