Wood treated with hardwax oil also needs refreshing from time to time. How often you should maintain it depends on how frequently the furniture is used and what kind of wear it is exposed to. It may therefore be sufficient to refresh the wood surface with maintenance wax quarterly or even less often.
Good indications that the surface needs maintenance are fading color depth, reduced water resistance, or a dry and brittle feel. In these cases, new maintenance wax should be applied.
With the right cleaning and maintenance, your oiled or waxed wooden furniture will last considerably longer. Here you will find some general care tips and step-by-step instructions on how to care for your furniture optimally.
These care recommendations are based on open-pored wooden furniture treated with hardwax oil. UV-oiled or lacquered wooden furniture requires somewhat different care. If in doubt, test an inconspicuous area to see how the furniture reacts to the maintenance wax and whether it absorbs it. Our practical 25 ml maintenance sample sachet is particularly suitable for testing.
STEP BY STEP
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DRY & DAMP CLEANING
Furniture must be clean before it can be maintained. Remove loose dust or dirt from the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth. Then add a little OLI-NATURA wood soap to a bowl of lukewarm water, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth, and allow it to dry - done. For stubborn dirt, apply the soap undiluted and wipe with water afterward.
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REFRESHING & RE-OILING
As soon as the furniture surface is dry, shake the container well before use and saturate a regular, lint-free cotton cloth or polishing pad with the OLI-NATURA wood maintenance wax.
Massage it in using circular movements and gentle pressure. If you use a brush, spread the maintenance wax in the direction of the grain until the wood surface is evenly covered. Use the maintenance wax sparingly. Depending on the absorbency of the wood, as little as 10-20 g/m² may be sufficient.
Allow the maintenance wax to penetrate for about 10 minutes. Then remove any excess oil with the OIL-ABSORBING CLOTH and polish the surface once more.
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ALLOW TO DRY
As eager as you may be to use the furniture as soon as possible after impregnation, give the oil time to dry. Ideally, leave it overnight at room temperature. Do not wipe the surface with a damp cloth during the first few days.
THE RIGHT CARE ACCESSORIES
First of all: You do not need a huge collection of products to be well equipped for all aspects of furniture care. Here you will find a list of the tools required. Optionally, our Care Set No. 2 is recommended, as it already contains everything important.
- For applying the oil, you can use a regular lint-free cotton cloth, a white polishing pad, or a brush. Some people swear by a brush for reasons of cleanliness, while others prefer direct contact between their fingers and the cloth.
- Disposable gloves can protect you from the slightly sticky maintenance oil.
- The OLI-NATURA oil-absorbing cloth is particularly recommended for removing excess oil and for final polishing. Alternatively, you can of course use a regular, lint-free cotton cloth or kitchen paper.
- When caring for furniture, remember to protect your clothing as well: It is best to wear old clothes or an apron to prevent stains.
GENERAL TIPS & TRICKS
Standing moisture & heat
Stubborn stains
Scratches & dents
WARNING: RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!
Oil-soaked rags and cloths require particular attention, as heat buildup can cause them to self-ignite. Naturally drying oils cure by absorbing oxygen from the air. This generates heat, which is normally released into the surroundings and is completely harmless. However, in oil-soaked and crumpled rags, cloths, pads, or sponges, the heat cannot escape, meaning that under unfavorable conditions they may self-ignite. Therefore, never leave oily cloths or rags lying around carelessly; instead, soak them thoroughly in water, hang them outdoors, and allow them to dry. Once treated in this way, they can be disposed of safely after drying. Alternatively, oil-soaked rags and sponges can be stored under water or temporarily kept in an airtight, sealable container.
