Furniture care and maintenance - Part 2: Wood
WOOD FURNITURE
Taking care of your wooden furniture will give it longevity. However, to get the most out of your furniture and to protect it from damage, it is important to give them the right care.
Mid-century Ercol chair wood restoration- before and after
There are four types of cleaning that is generally required for wood furnishings to keep them looking their best; dusting, cleaning, waxing and polishing. If you don’t know how your wood has been treated or what finishing it has (if at all), find out before you start to avoid using the wrong product.
GENERAL CLEANING OF WOOD SURFACES
Dusting should be done regularly to prevent build up using a micro-fibre or other lint-free, non-scratching cloth. An old (clean) cotton T-shirt or a feather duster can also be used for this. Cloths should be damp to trap dust particles, and surfaces wiped down with a terry towel afterwards to remove excess moisture. Avoid all-purpose spray cleaners on all wood furnishings that are not coated in plastic. If sticky stains or spills occur, dissolve a mild detergent in water, dampen a suitable cloth and wipe down, then dry off. Never leave water on wood as this may cause it to rot and can also cause stains.
TREATING & PROTECTING WOODEN SURFACES- POLISH VS WAX
Furniture oils and polishes help protect wooden surfaces by making them slippery and hence easier to avoid dust and scratches. They do not, however, provide a hard, protective layer. Our favourite oil is Hemp Seed Furniture Oil. The oil penetrates the wood, sealing it from moisture from within. You can use it on raw wood, some painted wood pieces, on leather, or even on wooden floors, and it’s ideal for food surfaces. At least 2 coats are recommended, however the more coats, the more protection. Re-coat every few years as the wood starts to look dull and dry. No sanding or removing paint necessary before treating. Hemp seed oil is available to purchase in our shop. Surfaces should always be free of dust and dirt before treating.
Waxing wood provides a hard, protective coating. Waxing takes longer than polishing but protects for longer and is more hardwearing. To apply a paste wax like Bio Wax , it’s simply a matter of ‘wax on, wax off’. Rub the wax on with a clean, non-scratching cloth in circles until the wood is completely covered, then rub off in opposite motion. Just like Karate Kid. Streaks can be removed by wiping off excess wax. After the wax has dried, dust off. Paste wax is also great for fixing shallow scratches.
We advise against products that contain Silicone, as they accumulate grease, dust and dirt grime. So, make sure you check your label before buying furniture care products.