You might think that a lot of hard graft is necessary to keep your Solid Wood Furniture looking handsome and in good condition. But that is not the case if you approach the task in a simple yet sensitive way. There are two basics which you need to adhere to if you are to eliminate problems which might occur. They are:
  • Regular dusting
Keeping the item of furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources As far as the dusting is concerned it should be done once a week using a soft, slightly damp, cloth to dislodge the more stubborn dust particles and maintain the shine. Do not be misled into thinking that a feather duster is a useful tool for this particular cleaning job because it jolly well isn't. So forget it! As a cost-cutting exercise, or if you are ultra-keen on re-cycling, then there is no good reason why you should not use old clothing for dusting wood furniture – but for goodness sake watch out for any zips or buttons which may still be attached or you may well end up scratching the surface. It has been known! All this is a vital part of your care routine because, although you can hardly see them, dust particles are a common cause of wear and tear and if they are allowed to build up inside the wood grain they can cause considerable damage over a period of time. It is also essential to keep wooden furniture out of direct sunlight. You would not believe just how quickly the sun can bleach out the rich colour, and once that happens the damage is done. There is no way of restoring it. You might like to snuggle up near a comforting radiator in a cold winter's night, but not so your wooden furniture, so keep it well away, and never place hot items on it. It might seem merely common sense but you would be surprised how many people ignore the advice and live to regret it when they see the results. Insulated mats are the answer if you have to place anything hot on a table, for example. Another basic requirement in the care of your wooden furniture is:
  • Change and lift
Some people are obsessed with the careful placement of accessories in exactly the same position when they have been dusted, but please do try to resist the temptation. Keep changing their location so that no one spot becomes more worn than the rest. And, at the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, never drag or slide items, such as table lamps or fruit bowls, across wooden furniture, otherwise there is always a danger of scratching the natural finish. Making Repairs If the worst comes to the worst and you spy a scratch or a stain, panic not, help is at hand, initially in the everyday shape of a humble walnut, rubbing with the inside of which is a very effective temporary treatment. Deeper scratches may need wood filler, sanding and finishing, while stains will also require a fairly simple course of treatment. Waxing Many people seem to think that you need to be constantly applying wax to wooden furniture in order to keep it in good condition, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you wax more than a couple of times a year you are over-doing it. Choose clear wax when no staining is required, apply with a soft, clean cloth, and always polish in the direction of the grain, not across it. You can even buy wax from us for both our dark and light furniture ranges. Just have a look in the Maintenance & Repair section. It has been said that treating wood furniture with respect is the best way of maintaining its quality - and that sums it up nicely.