Product Care- Stained Finishes

Stained Furniture

What this finish is:

Stain colors the wood; a clear topcoat (often lacquer, varnish, polyurethane, or oil/varnish blend) provides protection. Care focuses on keeping grit off (it causes micro-scratches) and avoiding harsh chemicals.

Everyday care

• Dust with microfiber, moving with the grain.
• For fingerprints: a slightly damp cloth, then dry.

Deeper clean (safe default)

• Use the same mild soap method:
  • 1–2 drops mild dish soap in warm water
  • Wipe with a well-wrung cloth
  • Follow with clean water wipe
  • Dry immediately

Optional polish philosophy (pick one and stick to it)

• If you want a natural look: skip polish; just clean gently.
• If you want extra slip/shine: use a high-quality, silicone-free furniture polish sparingly (too much builds residue).
  • Apply to cloth, not directly to furniture.
  • Buff lightly.

What to avoid

• No silicone-heavy polishes (can cause hazing, makes refinishing difficult).
• Avoid ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and alcohol-heavy glass cleaners.
• Avoid dragging décor—lift it.

Heat, moisture, sunlight rules

• Coasters/trivets always.
• Keep humidity moderate; wood expands/contracts.
• Rotate décor to prevent uneven fading.

Handling common issues

• White rings: often moisture trapped in topcoat—sometimes gentle warming (hair dryer on low, moving constantly) can help, but safest is professional guidance.
• Dull areas: usually residue buildup—clean with mild soap + water, dry, then buff.