BULLETIN NO. A-FCI00-00
2
Furniture Care Instructions
Room Climate Control
Wood, when first cut contains more than 50 percent water. When it is prepared for furniture
construction it is placed in a Kiln and the moisture content is brought down to 8 to 10 percent. Wood
is porous and responds to its environment. If the room has high humidity it will absorb it and expand
and if the humidity is low it will lose moisture and shrink.
It is important that the humidity levels in the room be controlled from extremes of too much
humidity or too little. Furniture should not be placed close to air-conditioning outlets, fire places,
radiators, space heaters, humidifiers or dehumidifiers. Exposure to extreme variations of
temperature and humidity can damage any fine wood product.
The Ideal Environment for Fine Furniture
Fine wood furniture will have fewer problems when its environment is controlled at a temperature
between 65 and 75 degrees and a relative humidity between 35 and 40 percent. Wood placed in an
environment out side of those limits can and will shrink or expand and may develop some small
cracks which are not material or structural defects.
Sticking Doors and Drawers
With the minor changes in temperature and humidity doors and drawers may swell and be
difficult to open or close. Tolerances have been built into the units but extreme conditions may still
cause sticking. This will adjust back to normal over time but until it does consider using a
dehumidifier or rub candle wax or paraffin on the sides that stick.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays will fade colors and in some cases
darken them. It can also cause crazing or hair line cracks in the finish. White finishes will yellow
naturally over time and exposure to direct sunlight will hasten this natural process along with some
woods darkening naturally over time; this is not considered to be a quality defect.
Proper Storage
If you need to put your furniture in storage for any period of time do not store them in a damp
basement or hot dry attic. Allow air movement around the furniture and do not stack anything on it.
In General
Protect furniture surface from hot or extremely cold items.
Use coasters under hot or cold beverages
Do not use synthetic fabric under accessories or lamps
Protect tops from pens, makers and crayons
Oils from potpourri and other scented items can damage the furniture finish.
Do not drag items across the surface of the furniture.
Allow the surface to breath by rotating your accessories and lamps.
Do not over polish the furniture, do it only two or three times a year. Over polishing can
distort the natural finish of the product.
Do not wax the furniture as wax build up can destroy the natural finish of the product.
When moving furniture always lift the unit. Do not push or drag it to avoid damage to legs
Keep the furniture level so doors and drawers open and close freely.
Clean with a damp, not wet, cloth. Use only a mild soap. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
