Herron's Amish Furniture

Furniture Care Guide

Introduction

What To Expect: The Nature of Real Wood

Solid wood is a living material that continuously breathes and responds to its environment. Its movement is driven directly by relative humidity — as moisture levels in the air rise and fall, the wood naturally absorbs and releases water vapor, causing it to expand and contract.

During drier or more humid times of the year, you may notice subtle gaps temporarily appearing between table leaves or panel joints. This natural movement is completely normal and reflects the material's authentic properties.

Optimal Environment: To minimize natural movement and keep your furniture in peak condition, we recommend maintaining a consistent relative humidity of 35–45% in the room where your wood pieces are kept (using a humidifier during dry winter months or air conditioning/dehumidifiers in humid summers).

Furthermore, every tree tells its own story. Natural variations in grain, texture, and density mean that stains absorb uniquely across each piece, creating subtle nuances in tone. We embrace these distinct characteristics as a celebration of natural beauty, and we hope you enjoy caring for a piece of furniture that is truly one of a kind.

The First 30 Days: How to Protect Your Furniture

Best Practices

The Curing Process

Your solid wood furniture features a high-durability finish that is 90% cured upon delivery and takes 30 days to fully harden. During this initial month:

  • Protect the Surface: Always use coasters, trivets, or placemats.
  • Heat Rule of Thumb: If a dish is too hot to hold comfortably in your hands, keep it off the bare table.

*Note: these are good practices all of the time, but most important during the first 30 days

Placement, Sunlight & Handling

Best Practices

Sunlight & Lighting Protection

Place your solid wood furniture in an area where direct sunlight does not shine on it continuously. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight — as well as strong fluorescent lighting — can cause natural oxidation, leading to color shifting or fading in both the wood finish and upholstered fabrics.

  • Blinds & Sheers: Close window coverings during peak sun hours when the room is not in use.
  • Match Table Leaves: Because stored table leaves are protected from light exposure, rotate or use leaves periodically so the table top and leaves age evenly over time.

Best Practices

Daily Handling

While your piece features a highly water-resistant finish designed to protect against daily liquid contact, solid wood is still susceptible to physical scratches and severe heat damage:

  • Decor & Tableware: Place felt pads or soft placemats underneath decor, vases, and serving dishes before setting them on the table.
  • Lift, Don't Slide: Always lift items when moving them. Sliding plates, bowls, or decor creates microscopic scratches that compound over time and dull the finish.
  • Wipe Spills Promptly: Though the finish resists water, standing liquids should still be wiped up promptly to prevent long-term wear or moisture trapping.

Everyday Cleaning & Maintenance

General Tips

  • Always Wipe with the Grain: Whenever cleaning or polishing, always wipe in the direction of the wood grain — never against it or in circular motions — to avoid fine cross-grain scratches.
  • Normal Cleaning: Wipe the surface using a soft microfiber cloth dipped in clean water and wrung out until almost dry, following the grain. Immediately follow with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove lingering moisture.
  • Polishing: We recommend using Mohawk Scratch and Mar Resistor Polish only once every 1–2 months, or whenever the finish starts to look duller than usual (applied gently with the grain).
  • Avoid Silicone: Never use silicone-based polishes or harsh spray cleaners — they ruin the finish and prevent future refinishing.
  • Blinds & Sheers: Close window coverings during peak sun hours when the room is not in use.
  • Match Table Leaves: Because stored table leaves are protected from light exposure, rotate or use leaves periodically so the table top and leaves age evenly over time.

For Heavier Soil & Sticky Spills:

  1. Mix a few drops of mild liquid soap into a bucket of water.
  2. Dip your microfiber cloth and wring it out until almost dry.
  3. Gently wipe dirty areas along the grain.
  4. Follow immediately with a dry microfiber cloth to leave the surface completely dry.