Walking stick is an accessory you would like to keep for many years. That`s why you may want to know how to care for your walking cane. Whatever type of cane you get, a great amount of attention and care has been put into it. Just like anything else you use and cherish, you will want your walking cane to look good and prolong the life of it. For this reason, you will want to properly care for your cane.

How to care for your wooden walking cane?


Clean and polish your cane


If you use your walking cane in the rain or in other wet conditions, dry it off carefully after use. If your walking stick has a varnish finish, polish it on occasion with a natural colored shoe polish. If your cane is unvarnished, clean it off with a damp cloth.

If you have a cane made from a dark-colored wood like ebony or rosewood, take the time on occasion to polish it with a like-colored shoe polish. But remember to use the polish sparingly as a little will go a very long way.

How to care about your walking cane

Is it important to keep my walking cane dry?


Wood is porous and is liable to expand as it gets wet and contract as it dries, reducing the wood's overall tensile strength. Crook handle sticks will spring open if they are left in damp conditions, and any varnish is likely to flake. 

Although rain and wetness will not harm your stick in the short term, it is important to dry your stick. Again it is advisable to use a lint free non-abrasive cloth to avoid scratches.

Replace worn parts from your walking cane


Whether your cane has a metal or rubber ferrule, you should replace it at the first sign of wear.

Can I polish my walking cane?


If your stick is varnished, for instance hazel or blackthorn sticks, then a light polish with good wood furniture polish can be beneficial. A little beeswax, if used sparingly, can give a nice shine to the wood. 

How to care about your walking cane wax

Another alternative is shoe polish, although remember it doesn't take a lot to get the job done. If your stick has a light varnish finish, a neutral-coloured shoe polish can keep it looking its best. For darker wooden sticks, a similar colour of dark shoe polish will work a treat.

Bare in mind that unvarnished sticks, for instance ash, should not be polished. They should instead just be wiped down with a damp cloth if they become dirty. 

Proper Storage of your walking cane


Do not store your walking cane in direct sunlight or near a source of heat, like next to the stove.

Special care for your walking cane


If you have a cane with a silver handle, gently clean it with silver cleaner. Handles made from other materials, like brass, leather or horn, require cleaning and maintenance as well. Handles made from unusual materials will often require special care and cleaning.

Taking good care of your walking cane ensures it will function very well, look good and last you for a very long time.