wood maintenance

a little care goes a long way towards keeping your wood furniture in great shape

• By following these tips, you'll be able to maintain your teak, maple, cherry
  or other fine wood furniture in good condition:
• When moving a piece of furniture, lift it, then move it. To avoid weakening legs and sides, never push or pull your furniture.
• All furniture should be kept out of direct sunlight; even indirect sunlight may cause color changes.
• An even aging or maturing of teak and other wood furniture can be accomplished by periodically turning or re-positioning items like coffee and dining tables. To help prevent spotting, occasionally move vases and other tabletop objects to different positions.
• Use trivets or table pads and avoid placing hot items directly on a wood surface.
• Liquid spills should be wiped up immediately.
• Dust and wipe your fine wood furniture with a dry, soft cloth regularly. Dining tables and desk surfaces may be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge.
  
  Oil your wood furniture one to four times a year, depending on usage and exposure to sunlight. Apply a small amount of furniture oil to a dry piece of soft cloth and wipe along direction of wood grain. Avoid placing items on a  freshly-oiled surface until it is thoroughly dry, approximately 12 hours.
• For stubborn spots, such as scuff marks on chair legs, apply oil with fine steel wool (gr. 000 or 0000). Allow to set for a few minutes, then wipe off with a dry, soft cloth or paper towel. Wait five minutes and wipe dry again as more oil will appear on the surface. Repeat this wiping-off process several times as required.

With a minimum of care, your wood furniture will give you many years of service and enjoyment.