A rare piece is this drum table, made from mahogany with leather top 150 years ago.

Are you fond of dark wooden furnishings? Mahogany is a particular favourite locally. The sight of lustrous wood gleaming against a white or neutral background is one of the signatures of traditional island home decor.

Well-kept, durable wood - whether it's a dining room table or lamp - will be kept looking as rich as the day it was bought if it is properly cared for.

Light

Sunlight will fade the beautiful finish of your special mahogany desk or the beautiful dark cherry table.

Keep them out of direct sun. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the finish and bleach the wood surface. Light bulbs give off UV rays, especially fluorescent bulbs. Buy the shaded incandescent bulbs for use in areas where valuable furniture is displayed.

Moisture

This mahogany entrance table is 150 years old. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/ Freelance Photograprher

Familiar white water rings or white haze is caused by water. White water rings can usually be removed using fine steel wool, a good quality clear furniture wax. Use a coaster or immediately wipe away moisture before it soaks into the finish.

To remove white moisture marks, rub with a cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or salad oil. Or rub with a cloth dipped in lighter fluid, followed by salad oil. Wipe dry and wax or polish.

Severe water damage

After a flood, allow the piece of furniture to dry for several weeks, or even months, away from direct heat or sunlight. The drying place should be away from excess moisture as well to prevent growth of mould or mildew.

Sometimes excess humidity can also cause drawers to swell, making them difficult to pull out or, more often, hard push back into place. Rub a bar of hand soap or wax candle along the drawer tracks to correct the problem. Try sanding and waxing for stickier drawers.

A sticky black build-up on the dark walnut arms of your easy chair is caused by sweaty hands and fingers. Sweat breaks down the wood finish and turns it black. A colour change means it's time to clean away the sweat and dirt.

Fill scratches with shoe polish that matches the lightest shade of the finish, or rub with walnut in the direction of the scratch. A child's crayon or felt-tipped marker can also be used for wood furniture care.

Heat marks

Side table

To remove heat marks, rub gently along the grain, using a dry steel wool soap pad or a cloth dampened with camphorated oil or mineral spirits, or rub gently along the grain with extra-fine steel wool. Wipe clean and wax or polish.

Hardwood furniture surfaces also can be cleaned with a mild non-alkaline soap and water. Dry immediately with a soft cloth and buff lightly, following the grain.

Hardwood finishes benefit from an occasional waxing or polishing. A paste wax can be applied every six to 12 months. Remove old wax first with a mild non-alkaline soap and water solution.

- Outlook Team