As part of January's theme, Renewal, I'm bringing you How To posts that relate to renewing furniture you already own.

Wood furniture is a common feature in most every home, but without proper care, your wood surfaces can start to look drab and lifeless. Start to renew your furniture by polishing wood surfaces every week. This goes a long way toward protecting the finish from damage and ensuring that your wood tables, chairs, and dressers look their best. Avoid any polish that contains silicone or alcohol, as these can do permanent damage to a wood surface, as can any household cleaner that contains ammonia. I love the almondy scent of Method's Wood For Good polish. You can also make an excellent polish at home by combining lemon oil with 3 parts olive oil.

Besides polishing your wood, you should also take care to clean it regularly. Any table that regularly has cups or food on it should be cleaned with a mild soap, such as a diluted mixture of hand soap and water. If you are committed to keeping an antique piece of wood furniture looking beautiful, consider having it buffed and polished by a professional once a year.

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