Caring for Solid Wood: A Simple Guide

Solid wood is alive in a way most materials are not. It responds to the air around it, takes on the marks of everyday life and deepens in colour as the years pass. Looked after well, it only gets better with age.

The good news: caring for it takes a few minutes a week and an hour or so a year. Here is everything you need to know.

The everyday basics

• Dust with a soft, dry cloth, following the grain

• Wipe with a cloth that is barely damp, never wet, then dry straight away

• Mop up spills as soon as they happen, especially water, wine, coffee and oil

• Use coasters and placemats under hot, cold or wet items

• Avoid silicone sprays and all-purpose polishes; they build up and dull the finish

Where to place it

Wood gently expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. Help it stay stable:

• Keep pieces at least 30 cm from radiators, heaters and air-conditioning vents

• Avoid long periods of strong, direct sunlight, which can fade and dry the surface unevenly

• Rotate items like vases and lamps now and then, so the wood ages evenly

Refreshing the finish

Most Arlow pieces have an oiled finish, which is easy to renew at home. Do it once or twice a year, or whenever the surface looks dry or pale.

1. Clean the surface and let it dry completely

2. Apply a thin layer of hardwax oil with a lint-free cloth, working along the grain

3. Leave it for 10–15 minutes

4. Wipe away all the excess with a clean cloth

5. Let it cure overnight before using the surface again

Dealing with marks

Light scratches and water rings on an oiled surface can often be eased out with very fine sandpaper (240 grit or finer), sanding gently along the grain before re-oiling the area. For deeper damage, get in touch; we are always happy to help.

A ring from a forgotten cup or a small dent from a dropped key is not damage so much as history.

Over time, these marks soften into the patina that makes a piece truly yours. That is the quiet reward of living with real wood.