How to properly care for hard wax oiled furniture

Wood treated with hard wax oil also needs occasional refreshing. How often you should re-treat depends on how frequently the furniture is used and the wear and tear it is exposed to. For example, it may be sufficient to refresh the wood surface quarterly or even less frequently with care wax.

Good indicators that the surface needs care are: if the color depth fades, water resistance decreases, or the surface feels dry and brittle. Then new care wax should be applied.

With the right cleaning and care, your oiled or waxed wooden furniture will last significantly longer. Here we have some general care tips and a step-by-step guide on how to best care for your furniture.

This care recommendation applies to open-pore wooden furniture treated with hard wax oil. UV-oiled or lacquered wooden furniture requires slightly different care. If in doubt, test in an inconspicuous area how the furniture reacts to the care wax and whether it penetrates. Our practical 25ml care pouch is particularly suitable for a test.

STEP-BY-STEP

1. DRY & DAMP CLEANING
   Only clean furniture can be cared for. Remove loose dust or dirt from the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth. Then add some OLI-NATURA Wood Soap to a bowl of lukewarm water, wipe the surface with a damp (not wet) cloth, and let it dry – done. For stubborn dirt, treat undiluted and then wipe with water.
   
   
2. REFRESH & RE-OIL
   Once the furniture surface is dry, shake the container well before use and soak a regular, lint-free cotton cloth or a polishing pad with OLI-NATURA Wood Care Wax.
   
   Massage it in circular motions with gentle pressure. If using a brush, spread the care wax in the direction of the wood grain until the wood surface is evenly coated. Use the care wax sparingly. Depending on the absorbency of the wood, 10-20 g/m² may be sufficient.
   
   Allow the care wax to penetrate for about 10 minutes. Now, remove any excess oil with the OIL ABSORBING CLOTH and polish the surface again.   
   
   
3. ALLOW TO DRY
   As much as you want to use the furniture as quickly as possible after impregnation, give the oil time to dry. Ideally, at room temperature overnight. Do not wipe the surface damp during the first few days.

THE RIGHT CARE UTENSILS

First things first: You don't need a huge collection of products to be well-equipped for all furniture care needs. Here you will find a list of the tools required. Optionally, our Care Set No. 2, which already contains everything important, is recommended. 

• For oil application, you can use a regular lint-free cotton cloth, a white polishing pad, or a brush. Some swear by a brush for cleanliness, others prefer direct finger contact with the cloth.
• Disposable gloves can protect you from the slightly sticky care oil.
• For removing excess oil and for final polishing, the OLI-NATURA oil absorbent cloth is particularly well-suited. Optionally, you can also use a regular, lint-free cotton cloth or even kitchen paper towels.
• When caring for furniture, also remember to protect your clothing: It is best to wear old clothes or an apron to avoid stains.

GENERAL TIPS & TRICKS

NOTE ON THE RISK OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION!

Particular attention should be paid to oil-soaked rags and cloths, which can spontaneously combust due to heat buildup. This is because naturally drying oils harden by absorbing atmospheric oxygen, generating heat. This heat is normally released into the environment and is completely harmless. However, in oil-soaked and crumpled rags, cloths, pads, or sponges, the heat cannot escape, meaning they can spontaneously combust in the worst-case scenario. Therefore, you should never leave oily cloths or rags lying around carelessly, but instead soak them in water, hang them outdoors to dry, and then dispose of them safely after drying. Alternatively, oil-soaked rags and sponges can be kept under water or temporarily stored in an airtight container.