Care

Wooden furniture

Wood is a natural material that requires proper care and maintenance. Furniture wood is dried to a humidity level of 6-8%, meaning that this wood should not be used to furnish rooms with fluctuating humidity levels, such as bathrooms. Solid wood is affected by fluctuations in relative humidity, e.g. it can coarsen or warp. Yet this is not a deficiency in the wood itself, but merely proves that a solid board is made of a living, natural material. To provide the best possible protection for your tabletop, do not decorate it during the first month to avoid light-coloured blotches. Also, avoid subjecting solid wood to direct sunlight or heat. Protect the table against hot pots or dishes and wipe up any spilled liquids as soon as possible.

Wood treatmeant

  Oil-treated furniture

Oil-treated furniture should be wiped off with a wrung-out cloth daily. Remember to re-treat the surfaces two or three times a year – or as needed – which involves applying oil to the wood with a clean cloth. Never pour oil directly onto the furniture. Let the oil soak into the wood for about 10 minutes, but wipe away white oil immediately after application using a clean, dry cloth. If a surface is scratched, sand it lightly with a sanding sponge or use sandpaper, 280–320 grit, and sand with the grain in a little oil. Afterwards, wipe off with a cloth. Note that smoked oak and beech must be treated the same way, because these woods are also oil-based. After use, put the cloths in water before discarding them due to the fire hazard.

Varnished furniture

Wipe off with a wrung-out cloth in clean water every day. Then wipe off with a dry cloth. To get rid of scratches or revitalise a lustreless surface, apply a thin layer of furniture oil. Ask your furniture dealer for advice on which oil to use. Apply the oil with a cloth and let it soak in for 10 minutes. Remember: never pour oil directly onto furniture. Afterwards, wipe off the furniture with a clean, dry cloth. After use, put the cloths in water before discarding them due to the fire hazard.

Textile & leather treatment

Maintenance of textiles
For ordinary cleaning, vacuum clean the textile every three weeks or more frequently as needed. Use the lowest suction setting and remember to use a suitable furniture attachment that will not damage the textile. For wet spots, absorb the liquid with paper towels as soon as possible. Do not rub the spot, but let the paper towel soak up the moisture by gently dabbing it. When the paper cannot absorb any more liquid, apply a little lukewarm water and repeat the same absorption process. Note: use cold water to remove blood stains. Ask a specialist for advice on how to remove dried stains such as grease. The same applies to deep-cleaning of textile surfaces.

Specific wool care instructions
If, after vacuuming the textile, you still feel that the fabric is pilling, buy a fabric shaver and use it to remove excess fuzz. Most wool stains can be removed using pH-neutral uncoloured dishwashing liquid diluted in lukewarm water. After this, it is important to soak up as much of the liquid as possible with a white paper towel or white tea towel. Rub the stain with the diluted dishwashing liquid and absorb the liquid again. Continue this process until the stain is removed. Use only water without soap for the final washing.


Teglgaard Garden Furniture Cleaning and Maintenance

The Teglgaard series is crafted in stainless steel, but over time, flash rust can form especially if the furniture is in coastal areas. FDB Møbler recommends regular maintenance to prevent rust formation. 

What you will need: 

WD-40 or rust remover
A gentle cleaning agent
Neutral oil 8universal versions avaliable in all hardware stores) 
Lint-free cloth 

For new furniture: 

Wipe the legs with a damp cloth and allow to dry. 
Apply neutral oil using a lint-free cloth to provide the best possible protection against marks, greasy fingers, etc. 
The furniture is now protected againts flash rst, moisture, greasy fingers, marks, etc. This can be done 1-2 times a year depending on how exposed the furniture is. 

In case of rust on the furniture: 

Spray WD-40 or another rust remover on the affected areas. Allow it to work for a few minutes. Now clean off the flash rust with a gentle cleaning agent. Wipe over with a damp cloth and let dry. 
Treat with neutral oil. 
The rust disappears and the furniture will look as good as new. 

 

General maintenance of wooden garden furniture

Like any wooden furniture that is exposed to the elements, maintaining your garden furniture will extend it's lifespan. For normal use of garden furniture, that is not left outside during the winter, we recommend oiling 1-2 times a year to make sure the wood retains it's color. You can check if it's time to oil your garden furniture by pouring a little water on it. If the water beads up, the wood is saturated, but if the water soaks into the wood, it's time to start oiling.

We recommend using Guardian products, which we sell in our shops. If you are in doubt, you are always welcome to ask in your nearest FDB Møbler store. We have created a handy step-by-step guide to help you get your garden furniture ready for the outdoor season.

It's important that you handle any maintenance in dry weather and that you do not apply oil in direct sunlight. 

1. Wash down thoroughly with the hard side of a sponge scouring pad

Mix water and cleaner for precious wood in a bucket as instructed on the product. Following the grains in the wood, thoroughly wash down the furniture with the hard side of a sponge scouring pad. The more thoroughly you clean the furniture, the easier the next step will be. Remember to wear gloves during this process.

Let the furniture dry for about 24 hours.

2. Sand down with sandpaper, following the grain

Once the furniture is completely dry, sand it down with fine-grained sandpaper (180-220), following the grains in the wood. Use coarser sandpaper if there are large scratches or nicks. To get the best results, sand both sides of the seat and backrest as between the slats.

3. Remove any sanding residue with a cloth, hard wrung in clean water

The furniture should now be wiped clean for any sanding residue. Use a cloth, hard wrung in clean water.

- If you do not wish to oil your garden furniture, your furniture is now ready for summer use.

4. Apply an even layer of oil, following the grains in the wood

Once the furniture is completely dry, use a brush or a piece of an old cotton t-shirt to apply the oil, following the grains in the wood. Make sure all the exposed ends are properly saturated with oil. If the wood does not appear saturated after the first round, the treatment can be repeated.

5. Tighten bolts and screws if necessary

Remember to tighten all bolts and screws so your furniture doesn't become wobbly.

6. Wipe away excess oil after about two hours

Allow the oil to dry for about two hours, then wipe off any excess oil with a soft lint-free cloth.

Allow the furniture to dry for a minimum of 24 hours after completion of the treatment before using them. It takes a few days for the oil to harden, but after that, your garden furniture is fit to be left outside, come rain, or come shine.