Veneer Care and Maintenance

December 01, 2018

Hard wood or veneer? This has always been a dilemma as veneer is gaining popularity due to being a more affordable option. One question that keeps being asked is how to care for veneer furniture. 

As veneer is a natural wood product, it requires more attention than other surfaces. When veneer is properly cared for, it will last long and keep looking beautiful. 

Routine Care

• Dust regularly with a slightly damp, soft cloth.
• Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth in the direction of the wood grain.
• Spills should be immediately wiped up with a damp cloth.

Once a month

• Clean the surface with a soft cloth dampened with a wood furniture cleaner.
• Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain to remove dirt and fingerprints.
• Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth.

Twice a year

• Apply a furniture polish with a soft cloth.
• Do not use aerosol-powered cleaners or polishes. 
• Do not use polishes containing waxes or abrasives, or polishes that are oil based.

To reduce the risk of damage:

• Use coasters for glasses and mugs.
• If a glass top is added to the veneer surface, be sure it rests on felt pads.
• Don’t place a potted plant on a veneer surface unless it’s in a water-tight container or in a drip tray.
• Don't place hot pots directly on the surface.
• Use protective pads under equipment with “rubber” cushioning feet.
• Some chemical compounds used in the feet on kitchen or office equipment, such as food processors, printers and monitor stands, may leave permanent stains or marks.

Minor repair of water rings, stains, and scratches

• Rub the surface lightly in the direction of the wood grain using No. 000 steel wool.
• Apply a scratch-removing polish with a colour and value that simulate the veneer.
• If the scratches are deep, consult a professional furniture refinisher.

Other Damages

• Wood is susceptible to bruising and scratching from heavy kitchen or office equipment, so we encourage a protective surface is placed underneath.
• Objects should be lifted instead of dragged across a surface.
• Protective pads should be used under items with a rough bottom, like pottery.
• Use desk pads or some other protection where a lot of paperwork is done.
• Sunlight can damage veneer as well, so veneer surfaces should not be in direct sunlight.
• To help a surface age evenly, make sure that the entire surface is exposed to an even amount of light over time.
• In addition to light, extremely high or low humidity is a damaging environmental factor.
• Maintain a relative humidity of 35-65%.

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