How to Care for Your Wooden Office Furniture

With the right care and maintenance, wooden office furniture will last for many years to come – depending on the type of wood and how well it is looked after. Although maintaining your wooden furniture may seem like a daunting and even tiresome task, we can assure you that it’s well worth the time. In fact, taking good care of wooden office furniture probably isn’t as difficult as you may think – and our helpful step-by-step guide is here to prove it.

Why is it important to look after wooden office furniture?

Office furniture that’s crafted from wood often requires a little extra attention and special care. This is because wood is prone to scratches and abrasion, so it’s important to know how to properly clean and care for this type of furniture in order to improve durability and maximize its lifespan. By following the simple steps below, you can be sure your wooden office furniture will look as good as new well into the future.

10 steps to care for wooden office furniture correctly:

1. Dust regularly (approximately twice a month)usinga soft, dry cotton cloth to prevent airborne particles from creating a filmy layer on the wood and scratching its surface.

2. Limit exposure to sunlight as long periods of exposure can cause ‘spotting’ whereby bright and dark spots appear. If possible, avoid positioning your wooden office desk or furniture items directly in front of an uncovered window.

3. Clean correctly by dipping a soft cloth into warm water containing a mild dish soap – avoid using ‘all purpose’ cleaners that may cause damage to the wood’s finish, and be mindful not to soak the furniture for long periods of time. Follow up with a rinse from a damp cloth containing only water, and always remember to wipe away any residual moisture afterwards.

4. Protect the wood using polish for wooden furniture that contains either petroleum distillates or silicone oil – this not only creates a shiny finish but adds a protective layer to the wood. Be careful not to use too much and always buff well to avoid creating a sticky buildup. Avoid products that contain a wax protectant as this combination will also create an unwanted waxy buildup.

5. Take care to prevent damage from heat or sharp objects which could scratch or cause damage to the surface of your wooden furniture.

6. Use coasters when setting down coffee cups or beverages that may leave water rings and create marks.

7. Treat wear and tear to help restore the wood. For small nicks and scratches, you can use a scratch cover/liquid polish to help hide the abrasion.

8. Re-oil the wood if it becomes dry by using an oil soap and preparing the surface with steel wool, working with the grain. Always follow the instructions provided with your oil soap of choice. If you want to apply a protective coating afterwards, be sure to let the wooden furniture set for at least 24 hours before you proceed.

9. Re-wax when needed – some wooden office furniture has a protective wax coating. As these items age, you may need to re-wax the surface to keep them protected. Always prepare the surface before waxing using steel wool then wipe with a soft cloth to remove residue before you apply the wax coating (using light pressure and following the grain). Don’t allow the wax to set for more than 20 minutes, then remove excess wax and buff with a soft cloth till the surface feels smooth.

10. Remove stains by treating them as soon as possible as the longer you leave a stain, the harder it is to remove.

• For white rings from wet glasses, you can use a paste of white toothpaste and baking soda (in equal amounts) and rub it onto the stain until it vanishes. Then wipe the furniture down and buff with a dry cloth.
• For dark spots from water damage, gently blot the stain with a cloth soaked in vinegar.

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