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How To Clean And Care For Solid Wood Furniture

Thank you for choosing Canal Dover Furniture. Each piece is handcrafted from premium North American hardwoods and built to provide generations of beauty and service. Because wood is a natural material, every piece will have its own unique character. 

Proper cleaning of your table ensures its beauty and longevity. We strongly recommend reading the tips below to keep your furniture in top condition.
There are many things that will collect on the surface of wood finishes. Such as cooking oils and fumes, fingerprints, dust, and smoking residue. Generally a soft damp cloth followed by a dry cloth will be all you need to clean the finish. If a cleaner is required, use only a very mild soap and wipe dry. A high quality furniture polish may be used occasionally. Apply polish with a soft cloth following manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid the use of silicone polishes as they may damage the wood finish if used over a period of time. Your local furniture store or hardware may carry Guardsman Furniture Polish (recommended for fine wood finishes).

KEEP FURNITURE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Every effort should be made to keep your table out of direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators, hot air outlets or wood stoves. These conditions will cause the wood to dry out and subsequently split.

CHECK HUMIDITY IN YOUR HOME
Humidity between 35 to 45 percent guards against shrinking and cracking or expansion. Basements with high humidity should be avoided. Do not place furniture near heat sources. You may choose to dehumidify or humidify depending on your environment. Extreme temperature and humidity will ruin wood.

ALLOW WOOD TIME TO CURE
The materials that protect your finished furniture are dual component products that require 21 to 30 days to achieve maximum protection of the natural wood. In the curing process, damage can and will occur if caution is not used to protect this finish from hot materials placed on it. Use extra care to protect these products so your investment really can last a lifetime!

 

HELPFUL FURNITURE CARE TIPS

Recommended Care: 

  • Dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth. 
  • Clean with a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately. 
  • Use coasters, placemats, and protective pads. 
  • Lift objects instead of dragging them across surfaces. 

 

Understanding Hardwood Furniture

Hardwood is a natural material and may include: 

  • Grain and color variation 
  • Mineral streaks and character marks 
  • Knots and natural imperfections 
  • Slight finish variation 
  • Seasonal wood movement 

These are not defects, but part of the beauty and authenticity of genuine hardwood furniture. Solid wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Minor movement, small gaps, or dimensional changes may occur throughout the year and are considered normal. 

Natural hardwood furniture will also mature over time as it is exposed to light and oxygen. Cherry may darken and become richer, walnut may mellow slightly, and white oak may warm in tone. 

 

Long-Term Maintenance 

  • Tighten hardware periodically if needed. 
  • Address spills promptly. 
  • Rotate decorative items occasionally for even aging. 
  • Use protective pads under decorative accessories. 

Minor scratches and wear marks are a natural part of everyday living and can often be professionally touched up if desired. 

 

Canal Dover Furniture is committed to building handcrafted furniture with exceptional quality, integrity, and craftsmanship. 

 

WE USE CATALYZED CONVERSION VARNISH FOR ITS INCREDIBLE DURABILITY