How to Care for Mahogany Wood

Mahogany is dark-colored hard wood known for its durability and beauty. Whether it's a dining room table or an outdoor deck, a proper care will preserve the wood and keep it looking as rich and handsome as the day it was cut. Follow these steps to preserve your mahogany and deepen its color.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Standard wood or furniture cleaner
• Duster or damp cloth
• Non-metallic scrub brush
• Bucket of soapy water
• Outdoor wood stain

1. Clean the surface of the furniture or deck. Keeping mahogany clean on a regular basis is the simplest and most effective way to prevent rot and color fade. Finished surfaces need only a damp cloth or duster to keep the surface free of dust.

2. Do a wax cleaning once a month. Cleaning a finished, indoor mahogany piece with a table wax or standard wood furniture cleaner will keep corrosive substance from building on the surface while adding an attractive sheen to the wood. This kind of once monthly cleaning is an excellent way to care for indoor furniture as it takes very little time and is inexpensive. A light rub with the wax is enough to do the job properly.

3. Do a deep scrub for outdoor mahogany. Use a non-metallic scrubbing brush and a bucket of soapy water to get mildew or sap out of the grain. Go over the surface two or three times and then rinse it thoroughly to wash all the soap residue away.

4. Keep the wood out of the sun. An important part of mahogany care is keeping the wood in a shaded area. This will prevent the color from fading and the wood from splitting.

5. Stain outdoor wood periodically. After a cleaning is a good time to stain the wood to help seal it and preserve its natural qualities. Find a good stain such as Messmer's UV Plus and apply the stain according to the product's instructions.