Furniture Care Tips

Wood Furniture Cleaning

Stay away from household cleaners like Windex, 409, and similar products. I do not recommend using Pledge either, especially on antiques. While it looks good initially and makes the surface temporarily shiny, it contains silicones and waxes that create a buildup that is difficult to remove.

• Basic Maintenance: Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

• Deep Cleaning: Use an oil-based furniture cleaner or polish, such as Oz Polish, Guardsman, or lemon oil for oil finishes (e.g., Tung or Danish oil).

Heat Protection

Avoid placing hot plates or cups directly on finished wood surfaces, as this may cause hazy discoloration or a “blush.” Fortunately, this can sometimes be reversed. To prevent damage, use placemats backed with cork, wool/felt, or leather.

Chairs and Tables

Periodically check for structural integrity. Most modern commercial furniture is shipped "flat-pack" and assembled in a warehouse prior to delivery. This means the legs are often bolted rather than glued; over time, they may become loose and eventually crack. Periodically tighten the legs with an Allen (hex) key or a Phillips-head screwdriver, depending on the model.

Case Goods (Dressers, Cabinets, and Chests)

Sometimes doors appear crooked, unlevel, or misaligned. Often, the reason is simply that the piece itself is not level. This can be easily rectified by raising one of the legs, either by adjusting a built-in leveler (if available) or by adding a properly sized shim.

Leather Care

For full-grain or top-grain leather, apply a leather conditioner once or twice a year to prevent cracking, and keep the piece away from direct sunlight. Note that cracking or peeling often occurs with bi-cast or bonded leather (the very shiny variety); unfortunately, nothing can prevent this, as these materials are coated in polyurethane (PU).