Disaster Response

My wood furniture was soaked. Is it ruined?

If possible, remove drawers and doors from wood furniture. If they are stuck tight, remove the back and try pushing them out. If the backing board warps and needs replacing, save it to use as a pattern for a new one.

Wash loose soil from the furniture, using sudsy water and a brush. Rinse with clear water and dry with a cloth. Let furniture and cabinets dry slowly (out of sunlight) to reduce warping and splitting. It may take several weeks or months for them to dry. Use fans, heaters, or dehumidifiers to keep air moving. After furniture has dried completely, clean the surface with mineral spirits, synthetic turpentine, or a cleanser conditioner. Test first on a spot that doesn't show.