Solid wood is easy to look after once you know a few basics. These tips apply to all our pieces, from coasters to tissue boxes.
Everyday cleaning
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- For marks or sticky spots, use a cloth that is only slightly damp, then dry the wood straight away.
- Skip harsh cleaners, bleach and abrasive scrubbers. They strip the finish and can roughen the surface.
Things to avoid
- Soaking or the dishwasher. Long contact with water makes wood swell and can cause cracks once it dries.
- Standing water. Coasters are made to protect your table from drips, but wipe them dry if a glass leaves a puddle.
- Direct heat. Keep pieces away from stoves, heaters and long hours of strong sunlight, which can dry the wood out and fade its colour.
Oiling, every few months
Wood slowly loses its natural oils, especially in dry weather or air-conditioned rooms. When a piece starts to look pale or feel dry:
- Make sure it is clean and completely dry.
- Rub in a small amount of food-safe wood oil with a soft cloth, following the grain.
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then wipe off any oil that hasn't soaked in.
- Let it dry for a few hours before using it again.
Every few months is plenty for most homes. You will see the grain and colour deepen each time.
Tea light holders
Always use the brass cup in our tea light holders, use standard tea lights, and never leave a lit candle unattended. If wax spills onto the wood, let it harden, then lift it off gently with your fingernail or a plastic card. Avoid scraping with metal.
Brass details
For pieces with brass, like our embossed tissue box lid, polish the brass with a soft, dry cloth. Brass naturally darkens over time; many people like that aged look, but a gentle brass polish will bring the shine back if you prefer it bright.
Incense holders
Empty the ash from your incense holder regularly with a dry brush or cloth, and never leave burning incense unattended.
Wood is a natural material, so small changes in colour over the years are normal. With this little bit of care, your pieces should last a very long time.