How Do I Protect My Dining Room Table?

Clean and Maintain

• The easiest way to unintentionally damage the surface of a dining room table is by using the wrong cleaning and care products. For instance, a product may be called a "surface cleaner," but is intended for stainless steel products, not a rich wood surface. Test all cleaning products on an inconspicuous surface area, and use a soft cleaning cloth like microfiber or terry. Most furniture stores offer a line of cleaning and maintenance products specially formulated for the surfaces they sell, such as wood, leather or tile. And in case of surface damage, most furniture store warranties will hold up best with proof of purchase of these products. Appropriate cleaning products also are available at most retailers. When in doubt, gentle cleaning solutions are the best bet for furniture.

Avoid Clutter

• In many households, the dining room table easily transforms into a catch-all for mail, toys, keys and bags. The easiest way to scratch the surface of a dining room table is by tossing the keys on the table at the end of a busy day. Designate other areas for these kinds of items, and be clear that these items do not belong on the dining room table.

Cover It Up

• The most fool-proof way to keep the dining room table beautiful is by keeping it covered. Tablecloths are not only a form of interior design, but a great surface protector. To still show off a beautiful surface, use place mats where diners will sit, which keeps dishes from sliding and silverware from scratching the table top. Keep hot dishes that may discolor a table surface on a runner filling the length of the table. A runner also serves as a barrier between elaborate centerpieces and decorations that may scratch or otherwise damage the table surface.