Wooden Furniture - be nice to good furniture

Due to its many properties wood has always been the material for furniture all over the world. Each tree is an individual, a piece of nature which, after being felled, keeps its own character in its strength, structure and sensitivity to light and moisture.

Knots are not faults but the natural consequence of branches. Wood can also change its character with time e.g. through the patina caused by the influence of use and light.

WHILST EVERY CARE IS TAKEN IN PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION ANY ADVICE TAKEN FROM THIS WEBSITE IS WITHOUT LIABILITY AND IS AT THE USER'S RISK.

These articles include advice on furniture care, but on a daily basis the following simple rules should be followed:

1. Moisture is the worst enemy of all wooden furniture, so all spilt liquid should be wiped away at once. When cleaning, water should be used only in small quantities - preferably just a damp cloth - and it should always be wiped off with a dry cloth. This also applies to the use of e.g. soap solution. Changes in the relative humidity occur with the seasons and can cause solid wooden table tops to warp or become slightly marked.
2. Table tops should always be protected against heat, and also against wet or coloured objects (e.g. pans, flower pots and candles). Always protect the surface when using sharp tools.
3. Furniture made for indoor use should never be used out doors. In order to keep the colour of the wood, direct sunlight should be avoided as much as possible.
4. Never place furniture directly against a heater or radiator.
5. If the furniture does sustain any damage, ask for advice in the shop where you bought the furniture.

Dining table    Range: Assisi

Untreated and soap-treated solid wood surfaces

Thorough cleaning:
Brush the whole surface with the soap solution, then wipe the surface with a cloth well wrung out in the soap solution. Grease marks can be removed with benzine. Caution, inflammable. Care should be taken to provide adequate ventilation.

If the wood fibres tend to lift, they can be sanded down in the direction of the grain using No. 180 or 220 grade sandpaper. Steel wool should never be used. Frequent sanding will make the surface less resistant to dirt. On the other hand, frequent washing with the soap solution will lessen the tendency of the fibres to lift and increase the surface resistance, thus making the furniture easier to care for.

Furniture treated with wax

Day-to-day cleaning:
Wipe with a clean, dry cloth. A damp cloth should never be used. Spillages must be wiped off immediately.

Thorough cleaning:
Stains made by liquids can only be removed when the surface is completely dry. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned with white spirit. Caution, inflammable. Provide adequate ventilation. If the wood fibres tend to lift, they can be sanded down in the direction of the grain using No 180 or 220 grade sandpaper. Steel wool should never be used. When dry apply a thin coat of furniture wax. After 15 minutes polish off with a piece of sackcloth. If necessary the surface can be brushed along the grain. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the wax.

Surfaces treated with oil

Day-to-day cleaning:
Wipe with a clean, dry cloth. More stubborn marks can be removed by wiping first with a cloth well wrung out in soap solution or in water with washing-up liquid in it (see 'General Care' point 6 for recipe), and then with a clean dry cloth. For very obstinate stains use a mixture of one part paraffin oil to two parts white spirit, and wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.

Thorough cleaning:
Thin layers of teak oil or rosewood oil can be removed with white spirit. Caution, inflammable. Provide adequate ventilation. When dry a thin coat of drying oil, e.g. teak oil, should be applied. If necessary lightly sand the surface along the grain in the wet oil, using No. 320 or 360 grade sandpaper. Fine ScotchBrite can also be used. Wipe off thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

Caution! Cloths soaked in teak oil or rosewood oil are liable to spontaneous combustion. They should either be soaked in water, wrapped in aluminium foil and disposed of, or put in an airtight container. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Danish Dining Table    in solid wood    Range:    Amish

Lacquered surfaces

Day-to-day cleaning:
Wipe with a clean, dry cloth, or with a cloth well wrung out in clean water and then with a clean, dry cloth. Dirty surfaces can be wiped with a cloth well wrung out in soap solution or in water with washing up liquid in it (see 'General Care' points 6 and 7 for recipes), and then with a clean, dry cloth. Scuff marks on chair and table legs are most easily removed with benzine. Caution, inflammable. Provide adequate ventilation.

Thorough cleaning:
A range of cleaning agents are available for both gloss and matt lacquer finishes on various types of wood. Products meant for dark woods can cause changes in the lustre and colour of light woods and vice versa. Products containing silicone are moisture and dirt resistant, but they can penetrate the surface and hinder future lacquering. Sanding of lacquered surfaces should always be left to an expert.

Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the cleaning agent.