1) Always keep your wood boxes, trays in a dry place
2) Never expose your wood boxes, trays to strong direct sunlight
3) Clean, dry, soft cloths or feather dusters will effectively remove dust; however, to avoid scattering the dust into the air, where it floats until landing back on boxes or trays surfaces,
dampen the cloth very slightly.
4) Never use all-purpose cleaning sprays, you'll usually want to avoid cleaning wood with water. However, sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Here's how: dip
the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Freshen Finds
If a vintage piece has a lingering smell, air outside on a warm, dry day. Shade from direct sunlight.
Pour talcum powder or baking soda over the surface to absorb odors.
Place a shallow pan of charcoal briquettes inside drawers.
Rub the upper edge of sticking drawers with a white candle.
Scratching the Surface
If the top of wood box or tray is slightly scratched, apply paste wax or use a felt-tip touch-up pen.
To treat deeper scratches that gouge into the wood, use wood filler or a colored filler wax stick. Match as closely as possible to the color of your piece, applying in several thin layers rather than in one thick layer.
