Use and Care Manual

MAINTENANCE OF WOODEN
FURNITURE SURFACES
4© Dansk Møbelkontrol 2002
UNTREATED AND SOAP-TREATED
SOLID WOOD SURFACES
General maintenance: Wipe with a clean dry
cloth. Soiled surfaces should be wiped with a
cloth wrung out in soap solution (see Cleaning
Solutions). Soft soap should only be used on
pine (soft woods) where it leaves a light grey
patina. On oak and other woods with a high per-
centage of tannic acid the use of soft soap can
result in a strong dark colour.
Thorough cleaning: Wash the entire surface
with a brush and then wipe the surface with a
cloth wrung out in soap solution (see Cleaning
Solutions). Difficult grease marks can be re-
moved with benzine. Caution – fire risk! Pro-
vide ventilation!
If the wood fibres have risen due to the use
of liquids, they can be sanded down – always
along the grain – with grade 180 or 220 sand
paper. Never use steel wool. It can cause dis-
colouring! Frequent sanding renders the sur-
face less resistant to dirt. Frequent treatment
with soap solution will lessen the fibre-rising
tendency and increase surface resistance.
SURFACES TREATED WITH WAX
General maintenance: Wipe with a clean dry
cloth. Never use a damp cloth! Spilt liquids etc.
should be wiped up immediately.
Thorough cleaning: Remove stains caused by
liquids after they are completely dry. Clean the
surface thoroughly with a dry clean cloth mois-
tened with white spirit. Caution – fire risk! Pro-
vide ventilation! If the wood fibres rise due to
the use of liquids, they can be sanded down –
always along the grain – with grade 180 or
220 sand paper. Never use steel wool. It can
cause discolouring!
When dry, apply a thin coat of furniture wax
suitable for the wood in question. Polish off af-
ter 15 minutes with a piece of sackcloth or
hessian. Always follow the instructions provided
by the wax manufacturer. Wax-treated surfaces
can also be brushed along the grain with a
clean brush with close-set bristles, for example
a clean shoe brush.
SURFACES TREATED WITH OIL
General maintenance: Wipe off with a clean dry
cloth. If the surface is stained, wipe the whole
surface with a cloth wrung out in soap solution
or water and washing-up liquid (see Cleaning
Solutions). Wipe off with a clean dry cloth.
Thorough cleaning: Thin layers of oil can be re-
moved with white spirit. Caution – fire risk!
Provide ventilation! Wipe off and apply a thin
layer of the recommended oil. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. If necessary, the
surface can be gently sanded in the wet oil – al-
ways along the grain – using grade 320 or 360
sand paper. Fine ScotchBrite can also be used.
Wipe off thoroughly with clean dry cloths
Warning! Cloths with furniture oil can self-ig-
nite and should therefore be soaked with water,
wrapped in aluminium foil and disposed of after
use.
LAQUERED SURFACES
(DOES NOT APPLY TO FRENCH-POLISHED
SURFACES)
General maintenance: Wipe with a clean dry
cloth or a cloth wrung out in clean water. Wipe
off immediately with a clean dry cloth. Wipe
soiled surfaces with a cloth wrung out in soap
solution or water and washing-up liquid (see
Cleaning Solutions). Wipe off immediately with
a clean dry cloth.
Thorough cleaning: A wide range of polishes for
cleaning and maintaining glossy and matt lac-
quered finishes is available for various types of
wood. Products for dark wood can cause
changes in the colour and lustre of light wood.
Products with silicone are resistant to moisture
and dirt, but can penetrate the lacquer and hin-
der future treatment with lacquers. The sand-
ing of lacquered surfaces should always be left
to an expert. Always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the product in question.
Scuffmarks from shoes etc. on chair and
table legs can easily be removed with benzine.
Caution – fire risk! Provide ventilation!