CARE FOR FURNITURE

HOW TO CLEAN SOLID WOOD FURNITURE

There are many things that will collect on the surface of wood finishes. Such as cooking oils and fumes, fingerprints, and dust. Generally, a soft damp cloth followed by a dry cloth will be all you need to clean the finish. If a cleaner is required, we recommend Guardsman products.

KEEP FURNITURE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Every effort should be made to keep your furniture out of direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators, hot air outlets or wood stoves. These conditions will cause the wood to dry out and subsequently split.

CHECK HUMIDITY IN YOUR HOME

Humidity between 35 to 45 percent guards against shrinking and cracking or expansion. Basements with high humidity should be avoided. Do not place furniture near heat sources. You may choose to dehumidify or humidify depending on your environment. Extreme temperature and humidity will ruin hardwood.

ALLOW WOOD TIME TO CURE

The materials that protect your finished furniture are dual component products that require 21 to 30 days to achieve maximum protection of the natural wood. In the curing process, damage can and will occur if caution is not used to protect this finish from hot materials placed on it. Use extra care to protect these products so your investment really can last a lifetime!

How do you protect your furniture? You can place coasters under hot cups or serving bowls. Use a table pad when possible to keep hot and heavy materials off the wood surface. In time, your finish will achieve its full protective properties, but for the first few weeks it needs tender care.

HELPFUL FURNITURE CARE TIPS

  • Blot up spills immediately.
  • Lift items rather than dragging them across the furniture surface.
  • Don’t place hot items directly on your furniture. If something is too hot to hold in your hand, it’s too hot for your furniture.
  • Do not allow cleaners containing ammonia to come in contact with the finish, ammonia may turn oak black.
  • Do not use cleaners containing bleach or wax.
  • Dyes and inks may discolor the finish. The ink and dyes from newsprint and plastic bags may penetrate into the finish when moist.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE TESTS

1. Vinegar: 24 Hours – No Effect

2. Oil Based Paint: 24 Hours – No Effect

3. Mustard: 24 Hours – No Effect

4. Turpentine: 24 Hours – No Effect

5. Lemon Juice: 24 Hours – No Effect

6. Mayonnaise: 24 Hours – No Effect

7. Milk / Cream: 24 Hours – No Effect

8. Margarine: 24 Hours – No Effect

9. Ketchup: 24 Hours – No Effect

10. Orange Juice: 24 Hours – No Effect

11. Red Ink: 24 Hours – No Effect

12. Coffee: 24 Hours – No Effect

13. Tea: 24 Hours – No Effect

14. Olive Oil: 24 Hours – No Effect

15. Cooking Fat: 24 Hours – No Effect

16. Grape Juice: 24 Hours – No Effect

17. Alcohol / Water 50%: 24 Hours – No Effect

18. Alcohol (100 proof): 1 Hour – No Effect

19. Alcohol (100 proof): 24 Hours – Very Slight Gloss Change

20. Water: 24 Hours – No Effect

21. Acetone: 24 Hours – No Effect

22. Butanone (200 double rubs) – No Effect

23. Up to 185 Farheneit – No Effect