Maintaining wood and surfaces

Wood needs care, consideration and maintenance if it is to retain its distinctiveness and character.

Untreated wood in particular is delicate and should therefore be cleaned and treated regularly. It is not recommended to place solid wood furniture in direct sunlight, near heat sources or in rooms where the climate fluctuates a lot. This is because tensions can then arise in glued joints and in furniture panels, which can result in them cracking.

CLEANING OF VARIOUS SURFACES

Untreated wood: Wash with soapy water. Use a scrub brush on stains that do not come off with soapy water. Always scrub in the lengthwise direction of the wood. Rinse off all soap and dry thoroughly. Do not place a tablecloth or place objects on the table until the surface is completely dry.

Varnished and painted wood surfaces: Have a strong, smooth and usually water-repellent surface under normal use and cleaning. Clean with a slightly damp cloth. Solvents should not be used.

How to maintain and clean laminate surfaces? :
Formica decorative laminates are very susceptible to scratches or nicks and can withstand normal wear and tear, but should never be used as cutting boards. They are well protected against vandalism and, when processed correctly, will provide highly durable surfaces suitable for public areas.

Laminate surfaces are best cleaned using water and a mild detergent. Non-abrasive cleaners are recommended for stubborn stains.

Stubborn marks and discoloration (for example, after prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke or industrial dirt) can usually be removed by careful use of a mild scrubbing agent, but scouring pads or hard abrasives with large scouring balls should not be used as cleaning agents. Ballpoint pen ink marks can be removed with a suitable solvent (for example, methylated spirits, acetone, etc.) on a clean cloth.

Organic solvents such as white spirit and cellulose thinners can also be used to remove paint stains and graffiti, as they will not affect the laminate surface.

Acid-based ceramic cleaners and limescale removers must not be used as they may cause permanent staining. Any spills or splashes of these cleaners must be washed off the laminate surface immediately.

After using a cleaning agent, the surface should be rinsed with clean water and dried with a soft cloth.

Suitable window cleaning products are excellent for avoiding and removing drying marks on the washed surface.

Furniture polish should not be used as a build-up of silicone wax on the surface can lead to discoloration and fingerprints that can be very difficult to remove.

As highly textured laminate surfaces have deep patterns, they are naturally more difficult to clean than smooth surfaces and simple textures. For stubborn stains in textured surfaces, a nylon brush can be used in conjunction with any of the above cleaning agents to remove deep-seated stains.

Waxed wooden surfaces: Hard waxes can be compared to varnished surfaces, while soft waxes can be compared in quality to oiled surfaces. The surface is easy to care for but not particularly resistant. Clean with care with a slightly damp cloth and should be treated according to the descriptions provided by the manufacturer and supplier.

Oiled wooden furniture: Has a slightly greasier surface that is more susceptible to dirt and liquids than other treated surfaces. Therefore, these must be washed and treated frequently. Clean with care and should be treated with furniture oils that the manufacturer and furniture retailer provide guidance on. Do not place a tablecloth or place objects on the table until the surface is completely dry.

POWDER COATED SURFACES (STEEL, MDF, ETC.)

The surface can be made in different ways, depending on how the customer wants it. Powder-coated surfaces can be described as resistant to wear. Cleaning is done with a slightly damp cloth. Stain removal is done with all-purpose cleaner and in some cases white spirit.

Steel surfaces: As a general rule, use a soft cloth for daily cleaning. To protect the surface and make cleaning easier, a thin layer of wax with added silicone can be applied.

Plastic surfaces: Plastics have different properties depending on the application they are intended to cover. Cleaning is best done with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water with a small amount of synthetic detergent added. For stain removal, use a stronger dosage of detergent (see also the supplier/manufacturer's instructions).

Furniture with mounting brackets: The indoor climate varies with the seasons. It is driest in late winter when we have a fire and wettest in autumn. Wood is hygroscopic - it absorbs and releases moisture depending on the climate, and shrinks and swells in line with changes in the climate. This means that furniture that is assembled with mounting brackets can become somewhat loose during dry periods. Therefore, go over the mounting brackets and tighten them if necessary.