Easy Furniture Fix-Ups For The Holidays

(HIT) - When you’re hosting friends and family in your home for the holidays you always want your home to look its best. If your wood tables have watermarks, the dining room chairs wobble, or your couch’s upholstery has seen better days, it may be time to consider some easy furniture fix-ups for the holidays.

"Minor furniture fix-ups can make your home’s furniture look like new," says Lou Manfredini, home improvement expert and Ace Hardware’s Helpful Hardware Man. "Any your local hardware store probably has the cleaning, repair and maintenance products you need to give furniture a fresh new look."

Here are several furniture fix-up suggestions from Ace and Manfredini:

Repairing a Wobbly Chair

If a chair has become so wobbly that it’s got an old paperback jammed under a leg to keep it stable, it’s probably time for an easy furniture fix-up. Carefully knock the loose joint apart with a rag-wrapped hammer or rubber mallet. Using sandpaper or steel wool, carefully remove old glue remnants from both furniture surfaces that need reattached. If the old glue gives you trouble, Manfredini suggests rubbing it with vinegar. Then spread new wood glue on both surfaces and—using a wood clamp or tourniquet—apply pressure on the joint for 24 hours. This keeps the joint tight until the glue has ample time to dry. Wipe away excess glue with a soft damp cloth before it sets. If the repair area is hidden from view, a small self-tapping screw can be used to help assure a tight hold.

Fixing a Furniture Spindle

If the spindles on chairs have worked their way loose, you can usually fix them with a little bit of elbow grease and wood glue. Manfredini suggests using a high-speed cutter (and appropriate protective equipment) to thoroughly remove old glue from the rung and inside of the socket. Then coat the end of the spindle and the inside of the socket with carpenter’s glue, wrap silk thread around the end of the spindle and wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out of the joint. Clamp the repair and let it set overnight.

Removing Residue from Wood Furniture

Some residues can be removed from wood furniture without the help of a professional furniture refinisher. "Bear in mind, though, that you should always test your repair remedy in a small, inconspicuous area before tackling the whole project—just to make sure that your repair efforts don’t further damage the furniture’s finish," said Manfredini. For watermarks and rings left by cups without coasters, try a wood amalgamator like Howard’s Restore-A-Finish or Formby’s® Conditioning Furniture Refinisher. Drench a wad of extra fine (#0000) steel wool and squeeze it lightly to remove excess liquid. Apply with light pressure in the same direction as the furniture’s wood grain, and there’s a good chance your woodwork will look like new again. Finish your furniture fix-up job by wiping the repair area with a clean tack cloth.

White "ring remover cloths" can be used to remove furniture blemishes caused by heat and water and shouldn’t remove finish from the wood surface. Small furniture scratches can often be fixed the same way.

To remove candle wax from furniture, Manfredini suggests hardening the wax by holding an ice cube wrapped in cloth against it for a few minutes. Then, using a plastic credit card or a dull knife, gently scrape off the wax residue. Rub the affected area with an extra-fine steel wool dipped in mineral spirits, wipe it dry and finish with wax or polish.

Furniture Upholstery Fix-Ups

Furniture fabrics often carry an upholstery code, usually found on a label under the cushions. This label may offer instructions on the proper methods for cleaning that fabric type. Typically, vacuuming and light brushing are recommended to remove dirt and grime. Spot cleaning can often be done with an upholstery shampoo or mild solvent. Manfredini advises patch testing of any furniture upholstery cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the fabric—to ensure that it doesn’t cause shrinking or discoloration—before tackling a stain in a highly visible area.

Leather and vinyl furniture fabrics are generally easier to keep clean than other types of fabric, but leathers and vinyls can dry out over time, resulting in small surface cracks and a higher likelihood of tearing. Treat leather every year or so with a leather oil or conditioner to keep it soft and pliable. Follow manufacturer recommendations for synthetic leather or vinyl-based fabrics.

For more furniture repair tips and information about a wide variety of home improvement projects, visit your local Ace Hardware store or log on to the Ace Hardware website at www.acehardware.com and click on the Answers@Ace icon.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center