How to choose, clean and maintain solid wood furniture

How to choose, clean and care for solid wood furniture

Solid wood furniture is known and appreciated for its natural beauty and durability. The correct selection, care, and cleaning of However, solid wood furniture requires some expertise. In this article, we'll use teak and suar wood (also known as acacia wood) as examples to explain how to select, clean, and care for these pieces of furniture.

I. How to choose teak and suar wood furniture

1. Understand the properties of wood

   • Teak : Teak is known for its durability, moisture resistance, and natural resistance to pests. Therefore, it is often used for outdoor furniture. It has a beautiful grain and its color ranges from golden yellow to dark brown. Over time, untreated teak develops a refined silver-gray patina. Due to its high natural oil content, teak has excellent weather resistance and will stay in good condition for a long time even without additional treatment.
   • Suar wood (acacia wood) : Suar wood is characterized by a distinctive grain with clear color contrasts, making it particularly visually appealing. It is a hard, durable wood that is ideal for large pieces of furniture such as tables, benches, or cabinets. The natural grain of the wood gives each piece of furniture a unique character.

2. Pay attention to the quality of the wood

   • Uniform color : High-quality teak and suar wood furniture should have a uniform color without any noticeable color variations. Teak should have a natural golden or brown luster, while suar wood should display its characteristic grain and color contrasts.
   • Degree of dryness : The degree of dryness of the wood influences the stability and durability of the furniture. Ensure the wood is sufficiently dry, ideally with a moisture content of 8% to 12%. Wood that is too moist or too dry can crack or warp.
   • Oil content : Teakwood naturally has a high oil content, which gives it its moisture-repellent and insect-resistant properties. When choosing teak furniture, you can judge the oil content by the feel of the surface—high-quality teakwood often has a slightly oily feel.
   • Tabletop thickness : For larger pieces of furniture like tables, the thickness of the wood is especially important. For suar wood, for example, tabletops should be at least 5 cm thick to ensure the stability and durability of the furniture.

3. Stability of the structure: Solid wood furniture is generally heavy, so a stable structure is crucial. When purchasing, make sure that the furniture's joints are secure and not loose. Chair and table legs, as well as drawer slides, should be inspected carefully, as these parts are subject to heavy wear and tear.

II. Cleaning solid wood furniture

1. Regular cleaning

   • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth : Solid wood furniture should be protected from dust. For daily cleaning, use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe the furniture surface. Avoid rough or abrasive cloths, as these could scratch the wood.
   • Regular waxing : Solid wood should be waxed every few months to protect the wood and maintain its shine. Teak furniture, which is rich in natural oils, can be maintained with a light coating of wood oil, while a stronger beeswax is recommended for Suar wood furniture.

2. Thorough cleaning

   • Mild cleaning agents : For stains on furniture, use mild soapy water or special wood cleaners. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or strongly acidic or alkaline solutions, as these could damage the wood's protective coating.
   • Removing stubborn stains : For stubborn stains, you can use fine sandpaper to gently sand the affected area. Then, treat the wood with wax or oil to reseal the surface. Be careful not to sand too hard to avoid damaging the wood.

3. Avoiding water stains and heat marks

   • Solid wood furniture should not come into direct contact with water or high temperatures. Always use coasters with hot pots or cups to avoid water spots or heat marks on the surface. Should stains occur, you can gently rub them with a little olive oil or lemon oil to restore the shine.

III. Care of solid wood furniture

1. Avoid direct sunlight

   • Direct sunlight can cause the surface of solid wood furniture to fade or crack. Although teak has good weather resistance, strong sunlight can accelerate color fading. Suar wood is even more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is advisable to place furniture in a shady, well-ventilated area or use curtains to block out the sun if necessary.

2. Maintain optimal humidity

   • Solid wood furniture is sensitive to humidity. Overly dry environments can cause cracks in the wood, while overly humid conditions encourage mold growth. Ideally, the room humidity should be between 40% and 60%. Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers to regulate the indoor climate if necessary.

3. Regular oiling

   • Due to its natural oil content, teak furniture generally doesn't require frequent maintenance. However, an annual treatment with special teak wood oil can extend its lifespan. Suar wood furniture should be treated regularly with wood wax or beeswax to preserve its color intensity and feel.

4. Be careful when moving furniture

   • When moving solid wood furniture, care should be taken not to drag it directly across the floor to avoid damaging the furniture or the floor. Use a fabric cushion or glide pads when lifting the furniture, especially for heavy Suar wood furniture, which requires careful handling.

Conclusion

Selecting, cleaning, and caring for solid wood furniture is a worthwhile investment in its longevity and beauty. With a thorough understanding of wood species, the right selection criteria, and the appropriate care methods, your teak and suar wood furniture can retain its unique charm and natural appeal for many years. Whether through regular cleaning or periodic care, solid wood furniture becomes even more attractive over time and adds a distinctive, elegant character to your home.

FAQ content (in “human language”)

1. How do I recognize high-quality solid wood furniture?
   Make sure the wood is uniform in color, has a sturdy finish, and is sufficiently dry. Especially for tables, the top should be at least 5 cm thick.

2. How do I clean solid wood furniture properly?
   Use a soft, dry cloth for daily care. Use mild soapy water if necessary. Regular waxing or oiling protects the wood and maintains its shine.

3. How do I protect solid wood furniture from stains and damage?
   Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity. Use coasters and clean stains immediately. For stubborn stains, gently sand and treat with wax or oil.

4. Which types of wood are particularly durable for solid wood furniture?
   Teak and suar wood are ideal for high-quality furniture and long durability due to their natural robustness, grain and weather resistance.

5. How often should solid wood furniture be cared for?
   Wipe off dust regularly and treat the surface with wax or wood oil 2-4 times a year – depending on the type of wood and wear and tear.