Caring for your Wooden Furniture

The Ideal Environment

• Wood furniture is best maintained at temperatures between 22°C and 30°C (70°C and 85°Fahrenheit). Relative humidity should be at 50% - 60%.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heating and cooling outlets, as exposure to extreme temperature variations can damage any fine wood piece.
• Do not expose furniture to continuous direct sunlight. With extended exposure, ultraviolet rays can create hairline cracks in the finish or cause fading, yellowing, or darkening.(Note: Some wood species simply darken naturally with age; this effect is particularly noticeable on light and painted finishes.)
• Wood is porous. It responds to extremely dry air by losing moisture and shrinking. It responds to humid air by absorbing moisture and expanding. In dry environments, the halves of an extension table may part slightly, especially at the edges. This will correct itself as the relative humidity rises and the wood absorbs enough moisture to expand.
• During humid weather, wood drawer fronts may swell and become difficult to open and close. These natural changes do not affect the furniture's overall quality or durability.
• If furniture is placed in a damp area with no proper air circulation, fungus may form, causing harm to the finishes.

Storage

• Do not store furniture in damp or hot conditions. Allow plenty of air movement around the furniture and do not stack or store other objects on it.
• We recommend that you keep the doors of your cabinets closed when not in use.

Simple Precautions

• Treat tables and chairs right. - Don't lean back in chairs. Don't stand on woven seats. Avoid using table pedestals as footrests.
• Don't put anything hot directly on surfaces. Use coasters under hot (and cold) beverages.
• Let it breathe. Rotate accessories and other items placed on the furniture. Do not leave plastic table cloths or placemats on dining tables for extended periods of time, as chemical components of plastic will migrate into the finish, causing indentations, softening, discoloration and damage.
• Do not store any leather goods on furniture for extended periods of time.
• Don't cover furniture for extended periods of time. Finishes need to be exposed to the air because they too need to "breathe", to maintain appearance and durability.
• Use felt discs. Place felt pads under lamps and accessories. Affix felt discs on the bottom corners of upper units that will sit on top of bases such as bookcases or china cabinets; to the contact points of computer equipment, alarm clocks, lamps, telephones and other desktop items. (The plastic, rubber, or nylon on these items may contain chemicals that can migrate into the finish, causing indentations, softening, and discoloration). Even plastic toys left on unprotected shelves for extended periods can damage the finish.
• Prevent damage during use. Protect dining tabletops with non-plastic mats or pads.
• Protect work surfaces when using items that could stain, imprint or damage the wood such as ballpoint pens, crayons, markers, scissors and glue. (Potpourri and scented accessories may contain oils that can damage finishes).
• Avoid friction. Lift objects instead of dragging them across wood surfaces.

Standard Care Procedures

• Dust regularly. Use a soft, clean, slightly damp white cloth such as a white cotton T-shirt or cotton baby diaper. Use a dry (preferably cotton) cloth, if necessary, to remove moisture from the surface.
• When cleaning tops with scored surfaces, be sure to carefully remove all moisture from the grooves to prevent possible damage to the finish.
• Vacuum. Gently vacuum rush seats, rattan, and woven surfaces with a soft-bristle brush attachment.
• Clean. Use a soft white cloth that has been dampened with a solution of mild soap and water. Wipe the surface again with a soft cloth dampened only with water to remove all soap residue and use a soft, dry cotton cloth to completely remove all moisture.
• When your furniture has been in low humidity, cool or hot environment and dries as a result; use a good furniture moisturizer/natural wax, to restore it.
• This moisturizing procedure should be carried out every two to three months.

Drawer Front Care

• During humid weather, if wood drawer fronts swell and become difficult to open and close, rub uncolored, unscented candle wax on the wooden drawer slides and bottom runners.
• If the humidity remains high over a long period of time, consider using a dehumidifier in the room. When the air becomes drier, the drawers will naturally stop sticking.