But it's always best to test an inconspicuous area before applying either traditional tried and true methods or commercial products because individual results may vary with different types of wood and the finishes.

It is also advisable to seek professional guidance for any serious problems.

Here are a few suggestions which can get your furniture looking stunning:

Minor nicks and scratches can be touched up and made less noticeable with a touch-up pen (available from hardware and furniture outlets), a child's crayon or an indelible felt tip pen in a colour that matches the wood finish of your furniture. Apply it in the direction of the nick or scratch, immediately wipe away the excess colour, then polish the whole surface.

Sticking paper/tape can become adhered to the surface of wooden furniture and, when we try to lift it off ,it brings the polished finish with it. To lift it properly without damaging the wood surface simply dampen with salad or non-virgin olive oil, leave for a few minutes and then rub gently in the direction of the grain with extra fine steel wool then wipe dry with a clean cloth and follow with polish or wax. Extra fine steel wool (0000) is available from hardware stores do not use household steel wool.

Candle wax or gum can be removed by holding an ice cube wrapped in plastic or a cloth to harden it and then gently lift it off with your fingernail, a non-stick spatula or a plastic credit card. Allow the surface to dry and then wax or polish. If a mark remains rub the area with extra fine (0000) steel wool dipped in mineral turpentine then wipe dry and wax or polish.

Water marks and rings can be treated with a little salad or non-virgin olive oil. Apply with a clean white cloth in the direction of the grain, wipe dry and then wax or polish.

White/heat marks and rings can be caused by a few different means such as moisture with heat, moisture alone and alcohol-based products. If the marks are heat related from a hot plate or coffee mug, etc, then it's best to leave it alone for a day or two and it will quite often disappear. However, if you don't want to wait that long you could fade the mark with a hairdryer set on very low and waved over the top don't use too much heat or you could bubble the finish.

If the mark persists there are a few other methods you can try. For instance, gently rub with 0000 steel wool and then coat the area with mayonnaise smeared on a paper towel, or salad or non-virgin olive oil, and left for about 15minutes. Wipe dry with a clean cloth and, if the mark remains, reapply the mayonnaise or oil and check it later. When you're satisfied with the results, wax or polish the whole surface.

Another solution is to use equal parts turpentine, vinegar and boiled linseed oil. Rub the mixture gently over the mark with a cloth or 0000 steel wool be careful with high gloss finishes.

If the mark is from an alcohol- based substance try rubbing very, very gently with a damp cloth laced with a few drops of ammonia.

Spills of any kind should be attended to immediately by blotting and/or lightly wiping with a clean damp cloth, then either allow the surface to dry, or dry it off with a clean lint-free cloth. Finally, wax or polish the whole surface.