Cleaning Your Solid Wood Furniture

There are many misconceptions about how to maintain your solid wood furniture and this is not helped by some of the advertising for household cleaning products. Here's a few tips to keep your furniture looking good.

Dust frequently with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Clean the surface by rubbing in the direction of the grain.
Polish HIGH SHEEN FINISHES every six months, using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Always rub in the direction of the grain.

DO NOT polish LOW SHEEN FINISHES (flat or satin). Wash these finishes with a mild liquid hand soap mixed with water - a spray bottle is helpful. Use a soft cotton or flannel cloth to thoroughly dry the surface immediately, always wiping in the direction of the grain.
Of the three types of furniture care products, we recommend only POLISHES.
Polishes contain detergents, emulsifiers and mineral oil. Detergents clean dirt from furniture, emulsifiers give it body to clean and last longer, mineral oil is left behind as a barrier to dirt and moisture.

We strongly suggest you AVOID silicone cleaners and waxes.
Silicone seeps into even the highest-quality finishes, creating a barrier that repels stain and lacquer. This makes it virtually impossible to re-finish or touch-up furniture, or maintain consistency in the finish shine.
The regular use of waxes may result in a build-up of wax film, which can actually attract dirt, smoke and other pollutants in the air, resulting in smudges and streaks. Many waxes also contain grit which can permanently damage furniture surfaces if used improperly.

Caring For Solid Wood Furniture

You've made the investment in quality solid wood furniture, giving it the regular care and attention it deserves will keep it looking good for many years to come. Here are a few tips to keep it looking its' best!
To avoid fading, keep your furniture out of direct sunlight and unless you have blinds you can close during the day, avoid placing it directly under windows.

Avoid wood stress from extreme temperature changes by arranging your furniture away from radiators, heat and air vents, and air conditioning units. Excessive moisture in the air will swell wood furniture, if it is too dry it can cause the wood to crack.
Use cloth/felt pads to protect your furniture from flowerpots, vases, hot dishes, etc as some items contain ingredients that can damage the finish.

Avoid staining by cleaning up spills immediately. Use a blotting motion rather than wiping. Water left for a prolonged period may cause white spots while alcohol, perfume, after-shave and medications will damage the finish if not quickly removed.
Periodically rotate accessories on your furniture so they don't always sit on the same spot. The colour of wood will change over time by exposure to light and if items are not moved, their outline will become very visible in the finish.

And always use a protective pad when writing on a wood surface.
By following these simple tips, you will enjoy your furniture for a lifetime!

Upholstery & Leather News

In addition to our Solid Wood Furnishings, Almira represents some of the finest upholstery collections in North America. Wesley Hall is one of our favorites. With almost 1000 fabrics, trims, cords and multiple wood finishes, we can create a piece uniquely your own. Recently Wesley Hall launched their "Signature Elements" Collection. Featuring a menu of easy-to-choose style and size options, it becomes very easy and affordable to create a custom look while meeting your practical lifestyle and floor plan requirements. The "Signature Elements" Collection lets you select an arm style, the number of seat cushions (attached, loose back, etc), type of leg and more!

Our leather selection also continues to grow. Yesterday's generic brown leathers are giving way to delectable brandies and caramels, as well as gorgeous shades of teal, citrus and pewter. These high fashion hues are perfect companions for fabric upholstery and much more acceptable by our home furnishings consumers.

If you are thinking about new upholstery for your home, we invite you to visit our store. We'd love to have you sink into a comfortable sofa or chair and discover why Wesley Hall is one of our favorites!