Tips for keeping natural wood furniture in perfect condition
Care Guide

Tips for keeping natural wood furniture in perfect condition

Natural wood adds warmth, texture, and character to a home, but it also needs specific care to stay beautiful over time. We'll tell you how to clean, protect, and pamper your wooden furniture so it lasts for many years.

Cozy living room with wooden beams, fireplace and furniture in neutral tones.
Living room with exposed beams and natural wood furniture in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Image credit: Boutique Retreats

Why natural wood deserves special care

Unlike laminates or synthetic materials, natural wood is a living material. It breathes, reacts to changes in light and temperature, and acquires a patina that tells the story of the house. Proper care doesn't mean keeping it spotless like new, but rather helping it age gracefully.

With a few simple habits and the right products, you can prevent it from drying out, getting excessively stained, or warping. The result is tables, sideboards, and headboards that feel solid, pleasant to the touch, and increasingly special.

Key idea: Think of your wooden furniture like a favorite piece of clothing. If you wash it properly, hang it up correctly, and take a little care of it, it will last for years and you'll like it more and more each time.

Know the finish of your furniture: oil, wax or varnish

Before cleaning or applying any product, it's important to know the wood's finish. An oiled table requires different care than a lacquered piece of furniture. If you can't remember, you can ask us in store or check the texture and sheen.

Oiled wood

It usually has a matte, very natural finish, where the wood grain is clearly visible. The feel is silky and not at all plasticky.

You'll notice it by

Very matte finish Warm texture to the touch It's more noticeable with liquids.

Waxed wood

It has a soft sheen and a slightly slippery feel, as if it had a thin, pleasant film on it.

You'll notice it by

Satin sheen Subtle wax scent Good dust resistance

varnished or lacquered wood

It has a more visible protective layer. It can be satin or glossy, and the surface appears completely sealed.

You'll notice it by

Regular brightness Very smooth surface Greater resistance to daily use
Pro tip: If you're unsure about the desired finish, always start with a very gentle cleanse on an inconspicuous area. It's better to use too little product than too much.

Basic care routine: from daily life to annual check-ups

There's no need to create a complicated ritual. With a simple routine, your furniture will stay clean and balanced without any extra effort.

Every day or every few days

  • Remove dust with a soft, dry cloth , preferably microfiber or cotton.
  • Use coasters and placemats on coffee tables and dining tables.
  • Avoid cleaning with very wet cloths. Excess water is one of the main enemies of wood.

Every month or every quarter

  • Wipe with a slightly damp, well-wrung cloth, following the grain.
  • Check edges and corners for small cracks or drier areas.
  • Depending on the finish, apply a thin layer of specific oil or wax to nourish the surface.

Stains, liquids and heat: how to react in time

Accidents happen. A scratched glass, a wine glass, or a hot tray can leave its mark. The key is to act quickly and with the right product.

If water or a drink is spilled

  • Dry immediately with a clean cloth, without rubbing vigorously.
  • On oiled or waxed wood, then wipe with a dry cloth in the direction of the grain.
  • Avoid harsh cleaners with ammonia or bleach.

Wine, coffee or food stains

  • First, remove the excess with kitchen paper, using small dabs.
  • Clean with a cloth barely dampened with warm water and a drop of neutral soap.
  • If the mark persists, consult a professional before sanding or using paint strippers to avoid worsening the area.

Heat marks and white ring

  • They are typically used to support very hot containers without protection.
  • They are often reduced by applying a little very gentle heat with a cloth and a warm iron, always carefully and testing on a small area.
  • If the stain is very visible, a wood professional can polish and renew the finish.
Inspiration magazine. In many interior design projects, you'll see beautiful trays, table runners, and coasters made of stone or natural fibers. They're not just decorative. They're the best way to protect the wood without obscuring its beauty.

Sun, humidity and heating: the great silent enemies

Wood contracts and expands with changes in temperature and humidity. That's why it's important to pay attention to where you place your most special pieces.

  • Avoid placing furniture next to radiators or hot air vents.
  • Protect areas with a lot of direct sunlight with curtains, blinds or solar film on the glass.
  • In coastal or humid homes, ventilate daily and use a dehumidifier if swelling appears.
  • If a wooden envelope warps slightly, don't force it. It will often return to its original shape once the environment stabilizes.

Dining tables, sideboards and support furniture

Dining tables and coffee tables suffer the most wear and tear on a daily basis. They are the setting for meals, homework, meetings, and endless coffee breaks.

  • Use table runners , linen tablecloths, or fiber placemats to protect the most frequently used areas.
  • Avoid cutting directly on the wood. Always use cutting boards.
  • On sideboards and consoles, place protectors under vases, lamps, and objects with a metal or rough base.
  • If you decorate with candles, make sure they are placed on plates, trays or candle holders that collect the wax.
Desk corner next to fireplace with natural wood furniture.
Work and reading nook with wooden desk and stone fireplace.
Image credit: Boutique Retreats

Outdoor furniture: how to extend its life outdoors

If you have wooden outdoor furniture, such as benches, tables, or armchairs, their exposure to sun and rain will be greater. It's important to be consistent in these cases.

  • Whenever possible, place them in semi-covered areas or under pergolas.
  • Use breathable covers during the winter or during periods of low use.
  • Renew the teak oil or exterior protector once or twice a year, depending on the climate.
  • Clean the surface with a soft brush and soapy water before reapplying the product.
Outdoor area with round wooden table and woven armchairs under a parasol.
Outdoor dining area with wooden table and fiber chairs, surrounded by vegetation.
Image credit: Boutique Retreats
Green tip: Don't be afraid of the natural color change in outdoor wood. That soft gray is very Mediterranean and can be beautiful when paired with nice textiles and plants.

Quick checklist for caring for your natural wood furniture

  • Identify the finish of each piece of furniture: oiled, waxed, or varnished.
  • Remove dust with a soft cloth and avoid very wet cloths.
  • Protect high-traffic surfaces with tablecloths, runners, and coasters.
  • It acts quickly on stains and liquids, without harsh products.
  • Keep the wood away from direct heat sources and extreme sunlight.
  • Check once or twice a year if it needs oil, wax, or a professional touch-up.

Do you fancy furnishing your house with natural wood?

At Pino & Jacaranda we select wooden tables, sideboards and auxiliary furniture with Mediterranean character and quality finishes, designed to be enjoyed for many years.

DISCOVER WOODEN FURNITURE
November 21, 2025

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