Love & Care | Wood

How to care for your wood furniture.

• Walnut, Wenge, Suarina, Acacia, Bamboo, Cherry and Maple (veneer and solid wood)
Dust wood furniture regularly with a dry, soft cloth to keep it looking its best. Always clean it with mild products or simply use a soft cloth, or even better a chamois, rinsed in cold or lukewarm water and thoroughly wrung out.

Avoid the use of wax or oil-based polishes to prevent build-up. Furniture oil is not recommended on these finishes, as the surface has been sealed. Don’t use oil ammonia-based products to clean wood veneer. They can damage the surface or create a cloudy finish.

Depending on use, the surface should be polished as much as once a month or as little as once a year. Polishing will clean the surface, as well as bring out the deep, beautiful color of the wood.

Over time, air and sunlight will change the color of natural wood. You can occasionally rotate items placed on your wood furniture to allow a more uniform color to develop.

• Teak (indoor teak furniture)
Teak wood is noted for its beauty and durability. Much of the unique coloring of teak actually comes from oil in the wood itself. The proper application of teak oil to furniture used indoors will help maintain the original luster and color and will, in time, add a deeper richness to the appearance.

To new teak furniture, apply teak oil with a soft cloth and coat the wood in the direction of the grain. Allow the oil to soak into the grain for about fifteen minutes. Wipe away excess oil with a soft cloth and allow the wood to dry completely. This application should be repeated approximately three or four times a year, depending on the humidity and sunlight in the room.

If the teak furniture is soiled, gently apply teak oil with 0000 steel wool using very light pressure, then wipe the wood with a clean cloth in the direction of the wood grain.

Some people prefer to cover their furniture if they are not using it for long periods of time, which will keep the wood clean and protected. If using protective covers, it is important to use only breathable covers that do not trap humidity but allow constant ventilation.

As with all fine furniture, excessive humidity is to be avoided.

Teak wood will change color over time. New teak furniture typically has more of a brown color, but over time from exposure to light, the teak will take on a beautiful golden hue. Direct sunlight speeds up the color change in teak. If an object is left on your teak furniture such as a vase, it can leave a spot. This is because the hidden surface under the teak has not had the opportunity to change color as rapidly as the rest of the surface.

Care Tips in general:

• Protect furniture from hot or extremely cold items.
• Use coasters under hot or cold beverages.
• Do not use synthetic fabric under accessories or lamps.
• Protect tops from pens, markers and crayons.
• Oils from potpourri and other scented items can damage the furniture finish.
• Do not drag items across the surface of the furniture.
• Allow the surface to breathe by rotating your accessories and lamps.
• Do not over-polish the furniture, do it only two or three times a year. Over-polishing can distort the natural finish of the product.
• Do not wax the furniture as wax build up can destroy the natural finish of the product.
• Keep the furniture level so doors and drawers open and close freely
• Clean with a damp, not wet, cloth. Use only a mild soap. Do not use abrasive cleaners.