Oak furniture is an investment that will last for generations to come. The sturdiness and strength of the furniture makes it ideal for home and outdoor use and is very resistant to dents and scratches. However, this hard wood requires dedicated care with the correct materials to keep its appearance and to prevent unsightly cracks and crazing.
The experts agree on one thing regarding care for oak furniture: Commercial aerosol based polishes should not be used under any circumstances. Nor should any other oils than linseed, Danish or lemon oil be used. Always use a lint free cloth to wipe the furniture clean and make sure to clean spills immediately.
Having said that, there are a few important guidelines and tips that you should follow in order to properly care for your precious oak furniture:
When you’ve bought an unfinished oak set or piece of furniture, it is imperative that you treat it immediately. The furniture may have spent some time in a shipping crate and the wood may be drying out. To remedy this, use any one of the recommended oils (linseed, Danish or lemon) and a soft, clean cloth. Apply the oil carefully on the wood and then massage it in following the grain of the wood. This should be done at least every three months. Bear in mind that if your furniture is made of Green Oak (this is the predominant oak used for furniture today), it could take up to four years to properly treat it.
Even if your piece of furniture is finished, treat it immediately upon arrival at your home. This is because it too could have spent some months in s shipping crate waiting for delivery.
All hard woods are sensitive to environmental changes and it is not advisable to put your oak furniture in direct sunlight. The heat of the sun may cause the furniture to expand too much, while the UV rays will damage the wood.
To dust and clean your oak furniture, simply use a clean, dry, soft cloth or a duster. There is no need for constant polishing or waxing. Wax will only build up and obscure the look of the furniture. If you need to use a soap to clean off sticky spots, use a soap that is oil based and not prone to build up on your furniture.
Because oak is moisture resistant, it will be able to handle minor spills and moderate heat – as long as the spill is cleaned up immediately. If it’s not cleaned up immediately, you may have to deal with a watermark or a burn mark. As with dents and scratches, these are fairly easily repairable. All you need to do is ask the advice of an expert on the precise and correct way of administering these remedies.
Your oak is a precious piece of furniture that will persevere long after you are longer its owner. It is important to preserve it so that it retains its looks for many years to come.
