Bookcase Care: Keep Your Bookcase Fingerprint Free

Protect your bookcases from damage, and your mother-in-law's white-glove test, by following our simple maintenance procedures. We've done the research and compiled a guide to the most efficient cleaning techniques. Bookcase Care If given the proper care, your bookcases can become treasured family heirlooms. Use these handy cleaning and maintenance tips to reap all the benefits of your bookcases for years to come.

• Dust frequently. Use a clean, soft cloth to remove dust buildup two or three times a week from wood, metal, and glass bookcases.
• Use protection. Never place drinking glasses directly on wood surfaces. To avoid water rings on wood or general stickiness on metal or glass if using your bookcases as end or side tables, remember to have coasters at the ready. Always burn candles in jars or holders to avoid nasty wax buildup that could burn or scar your wood bookcase.
• Keep wood bookcases out of direct sunlight. Because sunlight can both dry out wood and cause its color to fade, preserve your bookcases by placing them away from windows.
• Keep wood bookcases away from vents. Direct exposure to recirculating air within your home can also dry your bookcase's wood.
• Wash annually. Using a mild soap and warm water, clean your bookcase once a year with a soft cloth. Work in small, circular motions, and wipe your bookcase dry with a lint-free cloth.

Some wood bookcase surfaces may require additional polishing or waxing to maintain luster and prevent warping. New wood bookcases should be polished every few months during its first year in your home, and several times a year afterward. Apply an oil-based polish to the wood with a soft cloth; let it soak in, and reapply if needed.