The beauty of proper wood care is that it helps to protect your investment. Fine wood pieces are an important purchase. Proper care will help maintain your piece’s finish and ensure that it looks great year after year.

Avoid dry dusting/wiping your wood pieces. Dust will scratch the surface if not removed properly. Always dust with a polish moistened, soft, clean cloth that won't scratch the surface. The moistened cloth lubricates the surface, picks up and holds the dust and cushions the cloth, so it is less likely to scratch the finish that can occur with dry dusting. Never use soap and water on fine wood pieces. Do not use acetone. Water can penetrate the finish and raise the grain on wood, causing damage. Remember that it is important to frequently refold to a clean side, as the cloth becomes dirty. A soiled, damp cloth can redeposit soil on the finish.

Avoid polishes that contain silicone. Use others sparingly. Frequent use of polishes tends to build up a film on the finish that will attract dust and soil. Once a year, your fine wood pieces should be cleaned and polished completely. You can dissolve old wax and loosen soil with a non-abrasive cleaner, made for fine wood products. Again, drying with a soft cloth. Apply a "thin" coat of paste wax; allow to dry and buff with soft cloth, turning frequently to avoid any wax buildup.

Wood responds to changes in humidity and temperature by expanding and contracting slightly. High humidity causes wood to swell. Low humidity causes wood to lose moisture and shrink. Extreme changes cause warping, splitting and cracking. Try to keep the indoor humidity as constant as possible in the 30 to 50 percent range and the temperature in the 60 to 80 degree range. Your fine wood pieces should not be placed in an area where the sun will shine directly on them. The ultraviolet light from the sun and florescent fixtures can cause chemical changes in the wood and/or finish. Heat creates a chemical change in the wood finish that can result in a white spot. Your fine wood pieces should be kept away from direct sources of heating and cooling. You should avoid storing your pieces in an attic or cellar type environment.