Although it is important to treat all wooden furniture to protect it from insects and insect damage, various wood preservation products are known to contain harmful and toxic chemical ingredients. These chemicals are usually neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors that are also carcinogenic in nature. These chemicals have often been linked to various health complications. Fortunately, there are several natural alternatives that contain safe ingredients that are good for both humans and the environment.

This is all about the harmless fluids to protect your wooden furniture against insects.

Oil and oil based products

You can choose from a wide range of natural oils and oil-based products for insect protection for your wooden furniture. One such item is crude flaxseed oil derived from flax seeds. This oil dries slowly and often takes weeks to penetrate the wood. However, heat-treated linseed oil dries more quickly. In addition to being inexpensive, boiled flaxseed oil includes harmless chemicals that evaporate and help the oil dry faster. In fact, many flax oils contain certain mildly toxic chemicals as preservatives. Therefore, before buying, make sure that the oil is natural and free of toxins. Oil-bound distempers are also used to treat wooden furniture against insects. Hardens wood after penetration. These distempers do not have any harmful ingredients and are durable and cheap. They come in the form of a paste and need to be mixed with water. Natural colors can also be added to these distempers. However, it is not washable and all stains and dirt must be covered with paint.

water based products

As for water-based products, lime wash can be used as a simple paint to coat wooden furniture. Made from water and lime putty, it is similar to lime. A natural metal oxide mineral may be added for color. Lime wash is breathable and its alkalinity deters most insects and wood boring beetles. Limewashing is also free of chemical solvents and is inexpensive and, if done correctly, will not easily rub off your clothes.

Another water-based item is soft distemper, which is a natural paint that includes natural glue derived from animal parts and sprayed chalk. You can use natural metal oxide with mild distemper for color. In addition to wooden furniture, it can also be used on stone, bricks, and paper.

Boric acid is another popular agent used for insect protection of wooden furniture. It contains the related oxides and salts and is low in human toxins. For example, it is also used in eye treatments. However, they can only be used for indoor furniture. Using boric acid for outdoor furniture could often lead to bleaching of the wood due to borates reacting in the sun. Boric acid must be prepared and mixed according to the instructions. Apply it with a cloth or brush. Wood furniture can also be painted or sprayed with a borate solution.

Remember, there are various woods that naturally resist decay and insects. For example, the heartwood of certain types of trees would naturally resist pests and insects. Other trees in this category include some cedars, many cypresses, and coastal redwoods.