Table Care 101:
How to Maintain the Beauty of Your Wood Furniture

Wood dining table maintenance is crucial for keeping each one’s beauty, functionality, and heirloom-quality charm. Every table, handmade by our select craftsmen, deserves special (but simple) attention. All our items are finished in pre-catalyzed polyurethane to help protect the wood. But regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended for keeping your piece in the best possible condition.
The benefits of caring for wood furniture include having reliable, well-loved pieces for many years. Caring for Amish furniture properly extends its life and helps it age gracefully.
(Although this post primarily addresses dining tables, these cleaning tips are appropriate for all high-quality wooden furniture items.)
The Ideal Conditions for Wood Furniture
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Place your wooden furniture a significant distance away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or heating vents. Regular exposure to heat will eventually dry and warp the wood. (We like the way our customers placed their Hawthorne Dining Table and Akron Chairs away from the fireplace!)
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Avoid significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity which cause the wood to expand and contract. Use a dehumidifier or humidifier to maintain a more stable climate.
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The ideal conditions for wooden furniture is a consistent 60-80˚F and 30-60% humidity all year.
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Keep your wooden furniture out of direct sunlight. Over time, UV rays can compromise the appearance and integrity of the wood.

Avoid Using Rubber and Plastics on Wooden Furniture

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This gorgeous Barnwood Table beautifully shows the proper use of placemats and trivets. Incorporating a tablecloth and coasters are also good ways to help preserve the tabletop. While our wooden furniture has a durable finish, heat and moisture can cause damage to any wood surface.
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Avoid using rubber and plastics on wood dining furniture. As plastics break down, they can leach their color onto the wood’s surface and chemically damage the finish.
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Learn more about the table and dining chairs in the photo when you read our blog post, A New Home for Granby in Perkiomenville.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Dust with the Grain
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Dust your wooden furniture frequently and with the grain of the wood to maintain the integrity of the natural wood design.
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Microfiber cloths are best at trapping dirt, but any soft cloth can be used to dust your furniture. Refold the cloth often to avoid redepositing dust back onto the surface.
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Avoid spray polishes. Repeated use causes a build-up of the polish which dulls the surface of your furniture.
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Blot up spills immediately to prevent staining or warping.

Cleaning Most Wooden Surfaces

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A soft cloth moistened with water and a drop of detergent will adequately clean most wooden surfaces. If you prefer using a cleaning product, we recommend a natural-based cleaning solution. Avoid products with ammonia or alcohol as they can wear down the finish over time.
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Never saturate your wooden surfaces. When using a moistened wet cloth to clean your wood, immediately rinse and dry the surface when finished.
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Powder-coated steel bases may be cleaned with a clean, damp cloth.
Wood dining table maintenance is as simple as following the above guidelines. We love being able to play a small part in assisting families create a welcoming home by offering heirloom-quality furniture. Sharing these care tips is our way of helping you keep your items looking great and remaining durable for decades of enjoyment.
Please contact us if you have any questions about any of our products.