CLEANING

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 in 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.