Furniture care
Furniture made of solid wood
To ensure the best life for your furniture it is important that they are properly maintained. Solid wood is a living material that is affected by sunlight and humidity. During the summer months, when the sun is at full strength, you will need to take care to protect your furniture. If left unchecked, UV exposure can affect the appearance of your furniture in a negative way, and this can be permanent. Discoloration and damage to materials such as wood are downsides of the sunlight that we all love. Wood is especially sensitive to sun damage, so it is important to treat all surfaces regularly. Using soap and oil will both build up a protective barrier that will reduce the number of damaging rays that penetrate the wood, ultimately preventing cracking and splitting.
The winter is no exception, this period can be tough on any type of wood. It is not because of the temperature, but due to the lack of humidity. Wood acclimates to its environment and will expand and contract depending on the conditions it is exposed to. As the level of humidity in your home drops, the wood your furniture is made of loses moisture. Wood is very sensitive to fluctuations in humidity and in your home the level of humidity is constantly changing, meaning your wood furniture is always expanding and contracting.
The ideal humidity level is between 30% and 60%, having a level below 30% increases the risk of deformation. A solid tabletop for example, should be treated extra frequently in the winter season. Different release of moisture in the wood can lead to unnecessary cracks and warps in the tabletop. We therefore recommend maintaining both the top and bottom surfaces as well as the ends.
Wooden furniture should not be placed in direct sunlight, or too close to heat sources such as wood burning stoves and radiators, this can have a big impact on the overall condition. If there is an extremely dry environment (below 30%), a humidifier is a great way to control the situation, giving furniture longevity and improving your health at the same time.
If the wood fibers have risen, then sand in the longitudinal direction of the wood with sandpaper grain 180 or 240. Please remember to never use steel wool.
Soap treated furniture
Daily care: Clean your furniture using a soft cloth with lukewarm water that has been well wrung and wipe it off with a dry cloth. Dirt and spots of oils should be removed with a light solution of soap water. Remember to add more soap to the furniture regularly (4-6 times per year, or as required).
Care kit: Wood soap is cooked in palm kernel oil and coconut oil and contains no perfumes, colours, optical brighteners or bleach. Soap flakes can be purchased from your nearest Eikund dealer.
User instructions: always check the instructions that follows the Eikund care kit, or the type purchased locally.
Oil treated furniture
Daily care: Clean your furniture using a soft cloth with lukewarm water that has been well wrung and wipe it off with a dry cloth. Remember to add more oil to the furniture regularly (2-3 times per year, or as required).
Care kit: A turpentine-free oil is based on the finest and cleanest oils, is water resistant and protects the wood from desiccation. Oil kits (natural and white-pigmented) can be purchased from your nearest Eikund dealer.
User instructions: always check the instructions that follows the Eikund care kit, or the type purchased locally.
Lacquered furniture
We use a thin layer of lacquer that partially fills the grain, so that the wood structure will appear through the surface. This kind of lacquer makes the wood nice to touch and gives the material a natural patina.
Daily care: Clean your furniture using a soft cloth with lukewarm water that has been well wrung and wipe it off with a dry cloth. As the lacquer seals the surface of the wood, the furniture will not be affected by daylight in the same way as soap or oil treated furniture.
Furniture made with leather
Leather is a natural material, and like most natural materials it does need some care and looking after to ensure its long-lasting appeal. Here are some tips to help preserve the leather’s natural beauty over time:
- Avoid soaking the leather
- Do not place the leather in direct sunlight
- Clean the leather using the foam from soap flakes
- Use a clean and dry cloth to immediately remove any spills
- To dust, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush regularly
- Never use detergents, ammonia, oils, polish or varnish
Care kits and instructions: Always check the instructions on the leather product itself for a step-by-step guide.
Furniture made with textile
Regular cleaning and stain removal: Wool has good, natural water-repellent properties which result in good cleaning properties when clean and untreated. We recommend regular maintenance and cleaning of our textiles. This involves quick removal of stains with clean water, regular vacuuming and periodic cleaning.
It’s not recommended to use soil release impregnation in private or public environments, either with fluorocarbons or nanotechnologies. It is harmful to the environment and in normal use is not required.
Stains are easiest to remove when they are fresh. Most types of impurities are water-based and can easily be removed with clean, lukewarm water – if done immediately.
Care kits and instructions: If there is a need for a care kit or a cleaning machine, always check the instructions for the product and its step-by-step guide.
Furniture made with sheepskin
Regular cleaning and stain removal: Regularly vacuum the sheepskin to remove dust and lint. If you spill something sticky or oily on it, quickly remove the excess and then spot clean the area with a mild laundry detergent. We recommend using a detergent intended for wool. If it’s a difficult spot it might be necessary to use a fat-soluble detergent. Stains are easiest to remove when they are fresh. Most types of impurities are water-based and can easily be removed with clean, lukewarm water – if done immediately.
Daily care for longhaired version: Use the brush that came with the chair to prevent the fur from having tangles and knots, and to remove loose hair and dirt. In addition to the brush, it is necessary with regular vacuuming of the chair. If there is a stain on the fur that is left after brushing, use a soft cloth with lukewarm water that has been well wrung, and a small amount of a mild laundry detergent. Just wash the hairs where the stain is and try to get most of the detergent out again. If this doesn’t help, the stain needs a stronger detergent. Do the same as mentioned above, but with a fat-soluble mix. As an end to this process, it’s important to let it dry a bit and brush it back to its clean and fluffy state.
PS: Eikund’s warranty is only valid if the instructions outlined are followed carefully.