Furniture Care and Maintenance: Preserving the Beauty of Real Wood

Furniture Repair Products Portland, OR

Congratulations on your choice of Real Wood Furniture! Your investment in quality furniture can become an heirloom for generations to come with proper care. Follow these simple steps to ensure your furniture retains its timeless beauty:

Routine Cleaning:

  • For regular cleaning, use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface. This will help maintain the natural patina that develops over time.

  • Periodically, you can apply a small amount of Orange Oil to your cloth for a subtle sheen and extra care. Occasional cleaning with mild dish soap or Murphy's oil soap is also acceptable; just ensure you dry the surface to a clear sheen afterward.

  • Avoid products containing ammonia or silicone, such as Pledge or Windex, as they are not recommended.

Protect Your Finish:

  • Swiftly wipe up spills and ensure thorough drying. Moisture left on the furniture, even if it has a water-resistant finish, can eventually seep through.

  • Use trivets or placemats with hot objects to avoid direct heat exposure. This includes laptops, which can generate high temperatures underneath. When writing on a wood surface, protect it with a writing pad.

  • Avoid solvents, alcohol, nail polish, and removers, as they can cause irreversible damage to the finish.

Preventing Splitting:

  • Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home to help prevent wood from splitting.

Preventing Yellowing and Fading:

  • Do not use commercial waxes and spray polishes.

  • Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight.

  • Polish items regularly if exposed to direct sunlight.

Cleaning Up After Spills:

  • To maintain the finish, use mild dish soap or vinegar for cleaning up after spills, similar to how you clean woodwork.

  • If you need a mild abrasive, baking soda toothpaste applied with a soft damp cloth can be effective.

Polishing:

  • For routine maintenance, consider using orange oil, which works well on any finish and effectively removes everyday dirt and dust. Unlike lemon oil, orange oil is all-natural and non-combustible.

  • Satin Finishing Wax is a versatile product that can serve as both a polish for new finishes and a scratch remover for worn surfaces. It provides a soft, silky sheen.

  • Butcher Block Oil is an ideal protectant for surfaces that come into contact with food, such as cutting boards and utensils. It is FDA-approved and odorless.

Heavy Duty Cleaning:

  • If you require a heavy-duty cleaner, our Furniture Cleaner with a mineral spirits base is designed for serious cleaning applications. Use it with 0000 grade steel wool to remove old oils, wax, and grease from any wood surface. After cleaning, apply General Finish's topcoats or Satin Wax to restore luster.

Proper care and maintenance ensure that your Real Wood Furniture remains a treasured piece for years to come. Feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable staff for any additional guidance on preserving the beauty of your furniture.