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Yes, you can save moldy wood furniture by removing the mold as soon as you notice it. Mold can penetrate and damage porous wood, though, so waiting to clean it could lead to significant damage. If a large coverage area of mold grows over several months, you may want to ask a professional to try to save the piece. If the damage is bad enough, though, even a pro might not be able to save it.

Wood furniture is usually vulnerable to water damage. However, larger furniture tends to have a high chance of being salvaged as long as it hasn’t been standing in water for more than 24 hours. You can restore bedpoles, table and couch legs, and other wood parts that haven’t been fully saturated. Meanwhile, smaller objects like decors or furniture with fabric wrapping may require full replacement.

When deciding whether to repair, reupholster, or replace old furniture, consider its age, quality, level of wear, and overall value, including sentimental attachment. In many cases, it is more affordable to reupholster or repair furniture than to replace it, especially for antique, vintage, or discontinued pieces.

Older furniture is often made from durable hardwoods like oak and maple, giving it a longer lifespan than newer furniture, which frequently uses lower-quality materials such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Because of this, repairing or reupholstering a well-made older piece is often a worthwhile investment.

To determine the best course of action from a financial perspective, compare quotes from local furniture repair services with the price of a new, similar piece. Reupholstery may not be cost-effective for furniture that was originally inexpensive (e.g., under $300). For high-quality or sentimental items, however, it is an excellent way to preserve the piece and extend its life. If you're unsure, a furniture reupholstery specialist can help you evaluate the piece and make an informed decision.

If your drawer slides are made of metal or plastic, it’s best to use white lithium grease to lubricate them. The dense formula of that compound creates long-lasting results and should prevent you from having to re-grease the drawer slides frequently. Test the white lithium grease on a small, less-visible area of the slides first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish before applying to the entire fixture.