Solid wood furniture is made to be lived with — family dinners, quiet mornings, holiday gatherings, and everything in between. But one of the most common questions we hear in our showrooms is:

“How do I properly clean solid wood furniture without damaging it?”

As a company that builds solid wood dining tables, bedroom sets, coffee tables and more, we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can permanently damage a beautiful piece. This guide shares the same advice we give our own customers — practical, realistic, and based on real experience.

First Things First: Know Your Finish

All of our solid wood furniture is finished using an eco-friendly water-based stain and a water-based polyurethane top coat. This finish is durable, low-VOC, and safe for homes — but like all quality finishes, it still needs proper care.

That means cleaning isn’t about using the strongest product you can find. It’s about using the right method consistently.

The First 30 Days Matter More Than You Think

One thing many people don’t realize:
Your furniture finish continues to cure after it comes home.

For the first 30 days, we recommend:

• Avoid placing hot or cold items directly on the surface

• Avoid excess water or moisture

• Do not use solvents, waxes, or polishes

• Especially avoid any product containing silicone

This curing period allows the finish to harden properly and dramatically improves long-term durability.

Everyday Cleaning: Keep It Simple

Daily or Weekly

For regular care:

• Use a dry microfiber cloth or a lightly damp one for dusting

• This alone handles most day-to-day upkeep

Dining Tables (High-Use Areas)

Dining tables naturally need more frequent cleaning. After meals, we recommend:

• A damp microfiber cloth

• A drop of Dawn dish soap if needed

That’s it. No harsh cleaners. No scrubbing.

Monthly Polishing (or When It Looks Dull)

About once a month — or when your furniture starts to look a little tired — a light polish helps bring it back to life.

In our own showrooms, we use and sell Sprayway Furniture Polish because:

• It does not contain silicone

• It doesn’t leave a heavy residue or build-up

• It keeps wood looking natural, not shiny or greasy

For busy dining tables, polishing may happen less often. A good rule of thumb is:

• Before holiday gatherings

• Or anytime the surface looks dull after heavy use

What Not to Use on Solid Wood Furniture

This is where we see the most damage happen. Avoid:

• Wax-based products

• Anything containing silicone

• Solvents or strong cleaners

• Steam cleaners

• Excess water

These products can break down the finish, cause cloudy spots, or create long-term issues that can’t be reversed.

Sunlight, Heat & Placement Matter

Cleaning isn’t just about products — it’s also about environment.

To protect your furniture:

• Avoid placing pieces in direct sunlight (use blinds or curtains during the day)

• Never position furniture directly over or beside a heat register

• Keep furniture away from extreme temperature changes

These small steps prevent fading, drying, and joint stress over time.

The #1 Long-Term Tip Most People Miss: Humidity Control

Wood is a natural material — it responds to its environment.

To prevent cracking or joint separation, maintain your home at:
45%–55% Relative Humidity year-round

This is especially important in Canadian homes during winter.

Additional pro tips:

• Store table leaves in the same humidity as the table
  (not in a basement) 

• Always use padding under rough china

• Use coasters for hot and cold items

These habits make a huge difference over the years.

Can Solid Wood Furniture Be Refinished?

We’re often asked if a damaged table can be refinished. Because our finish penetrates deeper into the wood, traditional refinishing isn’t usually an option.

In those cases, the only alternative is a painted finish — which is why proper care from day one is so important.

Final Thoughts

Solid wood furniture doesn’t need complicated care — just consistent, thoughtful habits. When treated properly, it will last for decades and often becomes a piece that’s passed down.

If you ever have questions, or want personalized advice based on your home and lifestyle, we’re always happy to help in-store.

👉 Visit one of our showrooms to see the difference in our solid wood dining tables, bedroom sets, coffee tables, and more — and to get care advice directly from the people who build solid wood furniture.