WOOD FURNITURE CARE

Congratulations on your recent purchase of a natural wood product from Vesta Homes. It’s important to know a few things about the care and maintenance of this product.

CLEANING YOUR WOOD FURNITURE

Avoid commercial cleaning products. Although the immediate results of a cleaning product may seem rewarding, the long-term effects of its chemical composition with the wood, air, and light may be very harmful.

Weekly cleaning is recommended. Use a clean cloth made of soft, lint-free cotton. Moisten the cloth with just enough water to make the dust adhere to it. The cloth should not be so damp that it wets the wood. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.

HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE CHANGE

Wood is very sensitive to changes in relative humidity. As the weather changes, so does the relative humidity in your home and the moisture content of the wood in your furniture. Try and maintain stable humidity conditions in your home.

  • Frequent and sudden changes in relative humidity are especially problematic. This will result in the bending, warping, and cracking of your wood furniture.
  • Wood is most likely to crack when the climate in a home changes suddenly from hot and humid to cool and dry.
  • Excess heat and dryness can cause wood to split and crack.
  • Place furniture away from all heat sources such as radiators, heat runs, or fireplaces.
  • If you must place furniture near an air duct, avoid direct exposure to the air flow.
  • Store table elements (such as leaves) as close as possible to the table so they adjust to the same humidity conditions.
  • Winter is a particularly harsh time for wood furniture and often results in cracks when the surrounding environment is excessively dry. Take extra care of your wood furniture during this time.

AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT

The ultraviolet rays of the sun will damage a finish and bleach the wood underneath.

  • Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the finish to crack.
  • Uneven exposure to sunlight will cause your furniture to look paler on those areas that are exposed.
  • Try to keep furniture out of direct sunlight.

AVOID DIRECT HEAT, CHEMICAL EXPOSURE, SHARP OBJECTS

  • Fingerprints, perspiration, and oils can harm a finish over time, especially on chairs. Regular cleaning is highly recommended.
  • Plants and flower nectar that touch the finish can also cause permanent stains.
  • Placing hot items on furniture can cause a chemical change in the finish which results in white rings or spots.
  • Always use heat-resistant pads when placing hot dishes on wood.
  • Clean spills immediately.
  • Placing objects such as lamps and decorative items directly on wood can result in unwanted scratches and discoloration. Place felt pads under these objects and rotate their position from time to time.
  • Avoid leaving newspapers and magazines directly on the wood surface. The ink can bleed onto the finish and permanently damage the wood.