Wood Care

Wood gets better with a little care. These simple habits keep your furniture looking good for years. If your product page or the instructions in the box say something different, follow those first: they're written for that exact piece and finish.

Indoor wood furniture

Many of our indoor pieces are solid mango wood, with natural, painted, or distressed finishes. For upholstered, metal, or engineered-wood pieces, follow the care notes on the product page.

  • Dust often. Use a soft, dry cloth and wipe along the grain.
  • Wipe spills right away. For sticky spots, use a cloth slightly damp with water and a drop of mild soap, then dry the surface immediately.
  • Skip harsh cleaners. Avoid bleach, ammonia, alcohol, silicone polish sprays, and abrasive pads. They can dull or strip the finish.
  • Protect the surface. Use coasters, placemats, and trivets. Heat and moisture leave rings.
  • Mind light and air. Keep pieces out of strong direct sunlight and away from radiators, fireplaces, and heating or AC vents. Wood moves a little with humidity, so a steady room (roughly 40% to 60% humidity) helps prevent cracks and warping.
  • Lift, don't drag. Moving furniture by lifting protects the legs and joints, and your floors.
  • Check the hardware. Every few months, gently tighten any bolts or screws that have loosened with use.

Painted, glazed, or distressed finishes: dust and wipe gently with a soft cloth only. Don't scrub or use polish.

Outdoor teak

  • Silver is normal. Left untreated, teak slowly weathers from honey brown to a soft silver-gray. This patina is natural and doesn't affect strength.
  • Want to keep the golden tone? Clean the wood and apply a sealer made for teak, following the product's instructions. Reapply as directed.
  • Clean a few times a year. Use mild soap and warm water with a soft brush, moving along the grain, then rinse and let it dry. Don't use a pressure washer: it can raise and damage the grain.
  • Small surface checks are expected. Fine cracks and slightly raised grain can appear as teak dries in the sun. They're part of the wood's character.

Acacia, fir, and other outdoor wood

  • These woods need more protection than teak. Apply an outdoor wood oil or sealer before first use and reapply at least once or twice a year, or as the product instructions say.
  • Don't let water pool on surfaces or around the feet. Wipe tabletops after rain.
  • Use breathable covers, or store pieces in a dry, sheltered place during winter and long wet spells.

Wicker, rattan, and aluminum

  • Resin wicker and PE rattan: brush off dirt, wash with mild soapy water, and rinse with a garden hose.
  • Aluminum frames: wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch the coating.

Outdoor cushions

  • Bring cushions inside or store them in a dry place when you're not using them, especially before rain.
  • Stand wet cushions on their edge so they drain and dry faster.
  • Follow the care label for cleaning covers.

Winter storage

Store outdoor furniture in a dry, ventilated space such as a garage or shed, or cover it with a breathable cover. Don't wrap it tightly in plastic: trapped moisture causes mold and mildew.

A note on natural wood

Grain, knots, and color vary from piece to piece, and wood darkens or lightens with time and light. That's what makes each piece unique. Damage caused by moisture, direct sunlight, heat, or unsuitable cleaning products isn't covered by our warranty, except for outdoor furniture used according to its care instructions.

Questions about caring for a specific piece? Email us at info@woodenluxe.com.