How To Care For Your Oak Furniture

by Samantha Edmunds February 1, 2022

How to Clean Oak Furniture

First of all, whenever you are dealing with oak it is important to know that oak is a porous, naturally dry wood. Because of this, it will soak up moisture easily. This is important to remember and keep liquid exposure on surfaces to a minimum.
When you wipe down the surfaces, I recommend you using a well wrung cloth, with very mild soapy water or a specialised oak wood surface cleaner; Therapy Clean, Wood and Cabinet Polish is a beautiful product that we recommend.
Alternatively, you can use a homemade solution. By mixing 2 parts olive oil, with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Using the lightest mister setting on the bottle, you can spray the furniture, then wipe clean with a soft damp well wrung cloth.
Never use harsh or strong cleaning chemicals on oak wood.
Wipe surfaces regularly with a dry cloth.
If you have a spillage, attend to it immediately. Leaving it will result in stains and damaged wood. Soak up the liquid with a well wrung cloth or paper towel. Once all the liquid is cleaned, wipe over with a clean well wrung cloth. If you do end up with a stain, I would recommend hiring a professional furniture restorer.

Try be mindful of extreme temperature differences, for example; try not position the furniture too close to heaters or fire places.
I recommend adjusting blinds or curtains so that direct sunlight is prevented, as the furniture may discolour if exposed to direct sunlight.
Avoid placing bowls, mugs/glasses, cutlery etc. directly onto surfaces. Always use non-scratch coasters or placemats to protect surfaces. Placing hot or wet objects on the furniture could damage or stain the wood.
Avoid placing furniture tightly against other surfaces as the furniture needs to breath. Leave at least a 2.5cm gap between to allow adequate air flow.

When your furniture arrives, to help it adjust to its new environment (every home has different humidity levels and climates are slightly different for every city), it is a great idea to treat with oil or wax. This will give the furniture the best start to it a very long life. Oak wood will last a life time if maintained correctly. Our Oak products come with a fresh coat of wax, so this won’t be necessary.
The first time you wax your new furniture, I recommend that you test the wax underneath the furniture, in a non visible position. To be sure the wax you choose gives you the colour and finish you desire.
For optimised protection and maintenance, you can re-wax your furniture as often as every 3 months. It is also ok to do it 6 to 12 monthly! Don’t be overwhelmed by this, it is not a big job. It won’t take much of your time and the benefits you reap will be more than worth it.
When applying wax to oak wood, you always follow the direction of the grain. Once you have applied the wax in the direction of the grain, leave it to soak into the wood for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of leaving the wood to soak in the wax, you can then buff the wax off. Remembering to always work in the same direction of the grain.

Oak wood will last a lifetime if well maintained
Oak wood is quite a porous wood, so following the correct care instruction will keep you furniture in amazing condition.
Regular waxing will maintain the moisture in the surface of the wood, preventing cracking and fine splits.
It will keep the furniture in pristine condition.
Every time you re-wax your furniture, it accumulates extra layers of protection. Creating a well sealed finish.

This stunning wood is like a fine wine, it actually improves with age. The longer you own it, the more beautiful it becomes.
This wood has been being used since the mid 17th century. So oak wood has proven it last the test of time.
Every piece of wood has a beautiful, unique natural art. Meaning your piece of furniture has a one of kind finish.
The beauty of wooden furniture is that it gives you a second chance. You can renew it, back to brand new condition with some sanding and a fresh wax. ONLY if the furniture hasn’t been maintained and is in serious need of a re-vamp.