Timber furniture is stylish and incredibly durable, however it’s important to know how to care for it and ensure it stays in good condition. First determine what type of wood it is, whether it is untreated or finished. If the timber is untreated, dust the surface first and use mild soapy water to clean the surfaces but take care to quickly dry the wood soon after to avoid any wood rotting. Try to avoid detergent with wax in them if it’s finished and also clean up any spills as soon as possible to avoid any staining.
 
A lot of sunlight can also fade the colour of your timber so unless you enjoy the look of aged timber, try and keep your furniture away from direct UV light. Another way to extend the life of your timber is to limit the number of hard objects around it to avoid any dints, scratches or damage that can potentially compromise the finish or look of your furniture.
 
Timber should also be polished to increase the shine and look of the wood. It also adds a further layer of protection and can help make your piece last longer. Make sure you read and take the time to figure out how best to take care of your product so you can enjoy it for years to come!

Here are some simple tips to help you to enjoy your beautiful timber furniture long-lasting:

• Make sure that the floor is even so that it supports the furniture equally on each corner. Leaning furniture can stress the joints, weakening them over time. If you’re in doubt about the evenness of the floor, use a spirit level to check before placing furniture on it.
• Place the furniture into a dry and not subject to extremes of temperature and high humidity room.
• Dust regularly with a feather duster or wipe gently with a soft dry cloth in the direction of the grain, never in a circular motion.
• Vacuum and sweep carefully near the legs, edges, and low decorative components.
• Only use cleaning products made specifically wood/veneer water or harsh all-purpose cleaners.
• Always protect the timber from hot surfaces with placemats, tablecloths and other covers that resist heat transfer from hot items.
• Spillages must be wiped off immediately with a damp cloth.
• Wood furniture should be stored in a dry place without extremes of temperature. In most parts of Australia, a climate-controlled storage unit is better than a garage or shed.

What to avoid:

• Must avoid water to get in contact with the furniture water can severely damage timber’s appearance and structure, so avoid it at all costs. Even minor moisture can make wood furniture deteriorate over time and can lead to unsightly mould growth on the timber and upholstery.
• Do not expose timber to direct sunlight or extremes of humidity, because it can dry the timber and fade the finish coat.
• Do Not fluctuate temperatures near fireplaces, electric and gas heaters, air-conditioners, and other interior heat sources. Extreme temperature differences can make wood warp as it changes size, leading to splitting and instability.
• Avoid items, such as cups of coffee, tea, etc., food serving dishes and even hot pizza boxes can leave permanent blemishes. 
• Do not allow liquid or damp cloths to remain in contact with timber surfaces.
• Do not conceal the tops of your furniture with glass covers. This can result in sweating of timber and peeling of stains may occur.
• Do not use general household cleaning products to clean the furniture. 
• Don’t stack objects with sharp or abrasive surfaces on timber furniture. Sharp edges and corners can make scratches, and rough surfaces can cause abrasions, necessitating expensive repairs.
• Avoid covering timber furniture for long periods, as the cover material may hold in moisture that can lead to warping and wood rot.
• Vacuum and sweep carefully near the legs, edges, and low decorative components. Hardwood has natural strength but knocks from a vacuum cleaner or broom can scratch and dent the surface.