Wood Care Guide
Looking After Solid Wood
Wood is a living material. It moves a little with the seasons, it darkens with light, and it takes on a patina that plastic never will. Here’s how to keep it looking its best.
Everyday care
- Wipe with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, following the grain
- Blot spills straight away rather than letting them sit
- Skip household sprays, bleach, alcohol wipes and “polish”
- Never put a wooden piece in the dishwasher or leave it soaking
Where to keep it
- Avoid direct, all-day sunlight — it bleaches one side unevenly
- Keep away from radiators, heat vents and cold windowsills
- Very dry winter air can cause slight movement — a humidifier helps
Marks and scratches
Light scratches usually disappear with a gentle sand along the grain and a fresh coat of oil. Water rings often fade on their own. Deeper dents can sometimes be steamed out with a damp cloth and a warm iron, then re-oiled.
Colour changes
Oak lightens slightly and walnut warms and mellows over the first year or two. This is normal and permanent — most people prefer the older colour.
Re-oiling
An oil finish is meant to be renewed, not replaced. When the surface starts to look dry or pale, re-oil it — roughly every 6 to 12 months for pieces you handle daily, less often for shelves and stands.
- Clean the surface and let it dry completely.
- If it feels rough, sand very lightly with 320-grit paper, along the grain.
- Apply a thin coat of food-safe hardwood oil with a lint-free cloth.
- Leave it 15–20 minutes, then wipe off everything that hasn’t soaked in.
- Let it cure for a few hours before putting anything back on it.
Safety note: oily rags can self-heat. Lay them flat to dry outdoors or soak them in water before you throw them away — don’t leave them screwed up in a bin.
Still unsure about something? Ask us — we would rather answer than see a piece treated with the wrong product.