Guide to Maintaining & Caring for Furniture
Guide to Maintaining & Caring for Furniture
Caring for your Ruby Furniture pieces is essential to preserving their natural beauty and ensuring they stand the test of time.
Our joinery-grade Scandinavian Pine furniture, with its smooth-planed finish, brings warmth and character to your home, and with a bit of simple maintenance, you can keep it looking its best.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through straightforward tips and best practices for maintaining each piece, from TV stands to console tables, so you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.
General Care
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a microfibre duster to gently remove dust from the surface, such as our green Dust-Mop from the Osmo Mop Cleaning Kit. Regular dusting helps maintain the natural look and prevents build-up, which could scratch the surface.
- Cleaning: Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage pine’s natural finish. Use a damp, lint-free cloth with mild, pH-neutral soap if necessary, and then wipe dry immediately to prevent water stains.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Pine wood can fade over time if exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. Place your furniture away from windows if possible, or use curtains/blinds to protect it.
- Temperature and Humidity Control: Extreme temperatures or high humidity can cause pine to expand, contract, or even warp. Place furniture in a stable environment, ideally away from heating vents or air conditioning units.
Additional Tips for Pine
Polishing
If the wood looks dull, apply a thin layer of wood polish suitable for pine every 6-12 months. Avoid products with silicone as it can cause buildup.
Preventing Scratches and Dents
Pine is a softwood, making it more susceptible to scratches. Handle items with care, and consider adding protective felt pads underneath heavy items. Use coasters, placemats and tablecloths to protect the finish.
Treating Small Scratches or Dents
For small scratches, use a pine wood touch-up marker, available at most hardware stores, or gently rub the scratch with a matching color wax filler.
Refinishing and Sealing
Over time, you may want to refinish or seal your pine furniture to refresh its appearance or add extra protection.
A clear, water-based sealant, such as our Osmo Oil, can enhance durability while retaining the wood’s natural look.