Solid wood: care tips for long-lasting beauty

Solid wood is the ultimate furniture material - it is high-quality, durable, unique and gives every room a natural and cozy atmosphere. And that's not all! Solid wood furniture is easy to care for! Nevertheless, regular care is required to preserve and enjoy the beauty of our solid wood furniture for longer! Here you can find out how to properly care for your solid wood tables, chests of drawers, shelves or beds.

Protection from sunlight and moisture

Let's start with the basics, namely the correct care of our solid wood furniture. Solid wood furniture should not be placed next to radiators or in direct sunlight. Heat and UV rays are harmful to the wood as they can cause it to dry out, discolor or fade. In addition to sunlight, moisture can also have a negative effect on the material. Excessive humidity in the room can lead to swelling or warping. Too low humidity, on the other hand, can dry out the wood. Ideally, you should ensure that the humidity in the room is between 40% and 60% and that the room temperature is between 18°C and 24°C. For certain pieces of furniture, such as dining tables or chests of drawers, you can use stylish tablecloths to protect the wood from moisture and scratches. This way, your furniture is not only protected, but also stylishly decorated.

Correct cleaning and care

Now we come to step 2 - the correct cleaning and care of our high-quality solid wood furniture. First make sure that the surface to be treated is free of dust and dirt. You can use a soft, lint-free, dry or slightly damp, but not wet, cloth for this. For cleaning, you will need a special wood oil that is precisely tailored to the care of solid wood. There are different wood oils depending on the type of wood. Natural oils such as linseed oil, tung oil or walnut oil are ideal for the care of solid wood furniture indoors. They are gentle, environmentally friendly and therefore well suited for indoor use. Apply the appropriate wood oil to the wooden surface with a soft, lint-free cloth. Work the oil in the direction of the wood grain to ensure even coverage. Allow the oil to work in for approx. 10 minutes (depending on the type of wood and wood oil). Then polish the surface with a clean, soft cloth to remove excess oil. Allow the treated surface to dry completely. For optimum protection, you can repeat the process again. It is best to follow the instructions for your chosen wood oil. Please do not use a steam cleaner or other cleaning agents that are not suitable for wood.

Repairing damage

If your solid wood furniture is damaged or scratched, you can also repair it accordingly. Small scratches and dents can be repaired with a filler specially formulated for your wood. Apply this carefully to the damaged area with a soft cloth. You can then sand the area lightly to match the rest of the surface. Even if the paintwork is damaged, you can lightly sand the area to smooth it out. If the surface is badly damaged, you can start directly with coarser sandpaper - for example 80 or 100 grit. For finer work, use a grit of 150 or higher. Move the sandpaper over the surface in a circular motion, trying to apply even pressure. Then pick up the wood dust residue with a soft cloth and remove it. Finally, clean the area with oil to seal it and match the color tone. The frequency of cleaning varies depending on the type of wood and use of the furniture. Furniture treated with oil or wax can be maintained every few months. Furniture with lacquer or sealant is easier to care for and can be maintained every 1-2 years. If you are looking for high-quality furniture such as dining tables, side tables, shelves, chests of drawers, beds or other stylish pieces of furniture, then take a look at our online store at MöbelFirst! Renowned furniture brands such as Riva1920, Schönbuch, Hartmann, Vitra, Rolf Benz and many more offer trendy pieces of furniture made of solid wood. Discover the perfect piece of furniture for your home at an affordable price at MöbelFirst!