You should not guess when it comes to cleaning your new wood furniture. The type of finish on the wood, not the type of wood, determines how to care for it, clean it, and repair damage.

Finishes may be soft (oiled ) hard or painted. You should always ask the type of finishing when buying new furniture.

If you know which finish is on your wood furniture, follow the appropriate procedures. Excessive dampness, dryness, heat, or cold can damage wood furniture.

Sunlight can change the colour. Rubber or plastic mats should not be used unless marked safe for wood, since some may soften or stain the finish. Wipe up spills at once to prevent spots that require refinishing.

Polish not more than four times a year unless it gets heavy use, with a polish recommended for the kind of finish. Too much polish may build up a cloudy film; wipe off polish before it dries completely.

Do not mix types of polish. Oil causes wax to become gummy. Clean the furniture surface thoroughly before changing furniture care products.

Vacuuming with a dusting brush attachment gently removes dust from furniture surfaces, preventing buildup. If there is no vacuum cleaner, use a clean soft cloth, turning it often, or soft paper towels to pick up dust. Dust furniture before vacuuming floors.

If the finish is water resistant, a barely dampened towel or cloth will pick up dust.

Pads, mats and coasters on furniture, mats under vases, glasses and cups protect them from spills and stains, and from heated objects. Do not use plastic or rubber on natural wood surfaces as they may soften and damage finish. Use felt under objects set on top of furniture that could scratch it.