Keep Your Furniture Looking Great During the Holiday Season!
In Japan, there is a long-standing tradition of conducting a thorough cleaning at the end of the year, known as "Ōsōji." This custom involves refreshing homes and workplaces to welcome the New Year with a clean and positive spirit. It's also a great opportunity to give your furniture the care it deserves!
Proper maintenance tailored to the type and finish of your furniture helps preserve its beauty and ensures it lasts for years to come. This guide provides easy-to-follow steps for caring for oiled wood furniture and other types of finishes. Let’s get started!
How to Care for Oiled Wood Furniture
Oiled wood furniture enhances the natural texture of the wood, offering a warm and inviting look. However, it requires regular care to protect it from dryness—especially in winter when the air is dry. Follow these steps to maintain its natural beauty:
- Dust with a soft cloth: Start by wiping the surface gently to remove dust.
- Apply oil along the grain: Use a clean cloth and a small amount of furniture oil, applying it evenly along the wood grain.
- Remove excess oil: After applying, use a fresh cloth to wipe away any excess oil.
- Fix minor scratches: Lightly sand scratched areas with fine-grit sandpaper, then reapply oil as above for a seamless finish.
For detailed instructions, check out our Furniture Maintenance Guide.
How to Care for Non-Oiled Furniture
For furniture with finishes like printed laminates or urethane coatings, maintenance is simple and requires no special oils or waxes. Here’s how:
- Dust regularly: Use a soft cloth or mop to remove surface dust.
- Tackle stains gently: For stubborn stains, wipe the area with a cloth dampened in diluted mild detergent. Be sure to dry the surface thoroughly afterward.
Important Note:
Avoid using oils or waxes on these types of furniture, as they can damage the surface.
Protect Your Furniture During the Dry Winter Season
Oiled wood furniture benefits from dedicated care using specialty oils, while other finishes require only a simple wipe-down. Take the opportunity to refresh your cherished furniture and start the new year with a beautifully maintained home!
【Author of this Article】
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Taiyo Tsutsumi CEO, Okawakagu dot com Co., Ltd. Real Estate Transaction Specialist       |
| Born and raised in the furniture town of Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Taiyo Tsutsumi joined a condominium company in Kitakyushu City immediately after graduating from university. After retiring in 2005, he embarked on a 4-month journey through Europe. In 2006, while assisting with the family business, which involved wholesale furniture, he became concerned about the future of furniture manufacturing, a key industry in Okawa City. With a desire to revitalize Okawa City with furniture once again, he founded the online shop "Okawa Furniture Dot Com" and is currently exploring ways to spread Okawa furniture worldwide. 2019: Certified for Business Innovation 2021: Adopted by JETRO for Cross-Border E-commerce "Amazon.com Japan Store" (Link) 2022: Granted subsidies for the "Overseas Demand Expansion Project Using Digital Tools, etc." 2023: Launch of the cross-border e-commerce English website "Okawakagu" (Link) |
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