Properly caring for hardwax oil-finished furniture

Wood treated with hardwax oil also needs to be refreshed occasionally. How often you should maintain it depends on how frequently the furniture is used and the level of wear it is exposed to. It may be sufficient to refresh the wood surface with maintenance wax every three months or even less often.

Good indications that the surface needs maintenance are when the color depth fades, water resistance decreases, or the surface feels dry and brittle. New maintenance wax should then be applied.

With the right cleaning and care, your oiled or waxed wooden furniture will last significantly 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 apply to 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. For a test, our practical 25 ml maintenance sachet is particularly suitable.

STEP BY STEP

  1. DRY & DAMP CLEANING
    Only clean furniture 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 damp cloth, and let it dry - done. For stubborn dirt, treat it undiluted and then wipe with water.

  2. REFRESHING & RE-OILING
    As soon as the furniture surface is dry, shake the container well before use and soak a conventional, lint-free cotton cloth or a polishing pad with the  OLI-NATURA wood maintenance wax.

    Massage it in using circular motions 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 absorb for about 10 minutes. Then remove any excess oil with the OIL-ABSORBING CLOTH and polish the surface once more.   

  3. ALLOW TO DRY
    However eager 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 UTENSILS

First of all: You do not need a huge collection of products to be well equipped for every aspect of furniture care. Here you will find a list of the tools required. Optionally, our Care Set No. 2is recommended; it already contains everything important. 

  • For applying the oil, you can use a conventional lint-free cotton cloth, a white polishing pad, or a brush. Some swear by a brush for cleanliness, while others prefer direct finger contact with the cloth.
  • Disposable gloves can protect you from the slightly sticky maintenance oil.
  • For removing excess oil and final polishing, the OLI-NATURA oil-absorbing cloth is particularly recommended. Alternatively, you can of course use a conventional lint-free cotton cloth or kitchen paper.
  • When caring for furniture, remember to protect your clothing as well: It is best to wear an old item of clothing or an apron to avoid stains.

GENERAL TIPS & TRICKS

Routine cleaning
Dust your wooden furniture regularly with a dry, possibly slightly damp, but never wet cloth. For stuck-on dirt, never use conventional household cleaners, as they can leach the wood and damage the surface protection.

Standing moisture & heat
In general, you should avoid heavy moisture and wipe up liquids such as wine, water, coffee, or fruit juice as quickly as possible. Hot cooking pots or similar items should likewise never be placed on a wooden table or kitchen worktop without a trivet.

Stubborn stains
For stubborn stains that can no longer be removed even with undiluted »OLI-NATURA wood soap« , simply soak a white polishing pad with »OLI-NATURA wood maintenance oil« and rub the stain vigorously in the direction of the wood grain. Alternatively, you can use »OLI-NATURA oil thinner« . Then apply some »OLI-NATURA wood maintenance oil« to a cotton cloth and wipe the area to be treated. Wipe off excess maintenance oil - done! Stains that have been deep inside the wood for some time can generally only be removed by sanding and refinishing.

Scratches & dents
Minor dents and scratches on naturally oiled surfaces can be repaired very easily: Depending on their depth, sand the affected area first with coarse and then with fine sandpaper up to grit 180 or 220. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Sanding marks should no longer be visible. Then remove all dust thoroughly and simply re-oil with some »OLI-NATURA wood maintenance oil« . Any difference in color will even out over time.

WARNING: RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!

Particular attention should be paid to oil-soaked rags and cloths, which can spontaneously ignite due to heat buildup. Naturally drying oils harden 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, so under unfavorable circumstances they can spontaneously ignite. Oily cloths or rags should therefore never be left unattended; instead, soak them thoroughly with 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.