Buying natural wood furniture is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your health.Indoor pollution caused by thechemical treatments used on most furniture is a cause for concern. Leading health authorities are taking an increasing interest in this issue.
Why is it important to protect wood naturally?
Wood is a fine material whose main quality is its strength. Wood is a living material, and its aging process is slow, as long as you take care of it. It is considered environmentally friendly, since processing it requires less energy than traditional materials. Additionally, it has a low carbon footprint. Wood is also a renewable resource. The —such as the FSC or PEFC certifications—like the solid wood we use for our Kipli—guarantee its traceability. This means that the wood used comes from sustainably managed forests. Trees are planted to replace those that have been cut down. This ensures that wood remains an inexhaustible resource.
Therefore, wood is a profitable investment. It is completely natural, provided it is processed and maintained using safe products. It does not emit VOCs. To preserve its natural and eco-friendly appearance, it is advisable to treat it with products that have similar properties.
Since devices are exposed to scratches, bumps, and liquids, there are now quick and affordable solutions to deal with these everyday mishaps.
Which natural products should you choose based on the type of furniture?
The Basic Rules
Depending on the type of wood, the panel, and the finish, furniture maintenance may vary. (See articles on types of finishes)
However, there are a few basic steps to get started, starting with dusting the furniture before a . It couldn't be easier: use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth and wipe away the dust, starting at the top and working your way down to the base of the piece of furniture.
Be careful with the products you use; avoid products that are too harsh or abrasive. Any product you use should be applied to a soft cloth, not directly to the wood. This allows for better control of the amount used and prevents potential stains.
One final step in furniture maintenance is to follow the grain of the wood. In other words, don't wipe back and forth; instead, follow the wood's natural grain.
Finally, it’s important to determine whether the wood has been painted or varnished, since this adds an extra layer to the wood. As a result, the maintenance requirements may differ from those of waxed or oiled wood, for example.
We should promote products
Before using a product—even if it is natural—it is advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area of the furniture to ensure that the wood reacts well to it. Generally, all of the products listed below are safe for your wooden furniture. However, it is wise to test them before using them.
Soap, white vinegar, brewed tea
Among the most basic, natural, and easy-to-find products: black soap or Marseille soap. These soaps are suitable for all types of wood and do not damage the material.
Using soapy water couldn't be easier: just dampen a cotton ball with a mixture of warm water and soap, and gently wipe it over the stain you want to remove. Then, rinse with another damp cloth without any cleaning product.
Another very common and inexpensive product is white vinegar. To use it, dilute the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of white vinegar in about 250 ml of water. Then, simply use a cloth to dampen it with this mixture (it should not be soaked). Next, it is advisable to gently wipe the wood in the direction of the grain using circular motions.
Finally, cold tea can also be used to clean dirty furniture. Boil ½ liter of water and let two bags of classic black tea steep for a few minutes. To clean, follow the same steps as with the previous two products: dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and apply it gradually to the furniture, following the grain of the wood. Dry thoroughly with a dry cloth.
Be careful not to not leaving the wood in contact with water for too long to avoid damaging it. Always wipe up any liquids with a dry cloth.
The tips above are not suitable for waxed furniture, as it should not be exposed to water.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil can be applied to all types of furniture, except for varnished, painted, or teak furniture.
Flaxseed oil protects wood from moisture, mold, insects, and UV radiation. It gives the wood a satin finish.
On the other hand, it can darken lighter woods. You shouldn't use it too often if you want to keep your furniture light in color.
The oil is applied with a brush. To make it more fluid, you can mix it with turpentine, a natural solvent derived from pine resin.
Waxed Wood Furniture
You should not use water to clean waxed furniture. We recommend using oil first for maintenance or to remove a stain. Water-based solutions should be used as a last resort, as they can leave marks on the wood. You can also use a wool cloth or a piece of cork to remove a stain from waxed furniture.
Please keep in mind that for any valuable antique furniture, we recommend that you seek professional advice before using any product, even natural ones. Similarly, if you’re unsure about how to care for a piece of furniture you’ve recently purchased, you can ask the manufacturer for advice, and they’ll be able to guide you.