Furniture Care
Furniture Care
Built to last, wooden furniture has a history of craft dating back thousands of years. Different types of wood require specific treatment of the timber, this page describes how to protect and ensure that your wooden furniture reminds tip top. Providing a classic or contemporary great look, wooden furniture ages beautifully and, if you look after it, will last.
TABLE TOPS
Caring for Your Wooden Table Tops
Wooden table tops remain one of the most popular choices for restaurants, pubs, cafés, hotels and hospitality venues. They bring warmth, character and a timeless appearance to an interior while offering the durability required for busy commercial environments.
At Warings Furniture, we manufacture contract-quality furniture designed to withstand the demands of daily hospitality use. However, even the highest quality wooden table tops require the correct care and maintenance to ensure they continue looking their best for years to come.
Daily Cleaning
One of the most important aspects of furniture care is using the correct cleaning products. Warings Furniture have developed a branded cleaning product called Relay Spray as there was not a cleaner on the market that would be suitable for hospitality opperators to use and we were asked what they should use. www.relayspray.com
Many hospitality operators use powerful kitchen sanitisers throughout their venues. Whilst these products are highly effective in food preparation areas, they can be too aggressive for lacquered wooden table tops. Furthermore, there is absolutly no need to use a food prep sanitiser on front of house wooden table tops. Even the EHO would recomend that you dont as they can soften the applied lacquer and in turn make the tops sticky and that then becomes a dirt trap and dirt, grime and nasty bacteria will stick to the top. Being sticky as well makes it imposible to clean.
Over time, harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the protective lacquer coating applied to wooden furniture. This may result in surfaces becoming dull, sticky or prematurely worn, potentially leading to costly refurbishment or replacement.
For everyday cleaning, we recommend:
- Using a soft, clean cloth.
- Removing food debris and spillages promptly.
- Avoiding abrasive cleaning pads or scourers.
- Using cleaning products specifically designed for lacquered wooden surfaces.
- Following the cleaning product manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
Preventing Sticky Table Tops
One of the most common complaints in hospitality venues is the appearance of sticky tables.
In many cases, the cause is not poor cleaning but the gradual breakdown of the lacquer finish due to unsuitable cleaning chemicals. As the lacquer deteriorates, the surface can become tacky, making guests feel that the table is dirty even when it has been thoroughly cleaned.
Dealing with Spillages
Spillages should be cleaned as quickly as possible.
Coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices and sugary drinks can all leave marks if left on the surface for extended periods. Whilst commercial lacquer finishes provide excellent protection, prompt cleaning is always recommended.
When removing spillages:
- Wipe away excess liquid immediately.
- Clean the affected area using a suitable furniture cleaner.
- Dry the surface with a soft cloth.
- Avoid allowing liquid to pool around edges or joints.
Protecting the Surface
To maximise the lifespan of your wooden table tops:
- Do not drag heavy objects across the surface.
- Avoid placing excessively hot items directly onto the table.
- Use protective pads where practical.
- Regularly inspect tables for signs of damage.
- Arrange repairs promptly if chips or scratches occur.
- Follow any specific care instructions supplied with your furniture.
Caring for Different Wooden Finishes
Warings Furniture supplies table tops in a variety of finishes, including:
- Solid hardwood table tops
- Veneered table tops
- Lacquered timber finishes
- Stained timber finishes
- Oiled timber finishes
Different finishes may require slightly different maintenance procedures. If you are unsure how to care for your tables, our team will be happy to provide guidance.
Long-Term Maintenance
Even in the busiest hospitality environments, a well-maintained wooden table top can provide many years of service.
A simple maintenance programme that combines appropriate cleaning products, prompt attention to spillages and regular inspections will help preserve both the appearance and performance of your furniture investment.
Need Advice?
If you have purchased furniture from Warings Furniture and require advice on cleaning, maintenance or refurbishment, please contact our team.
With over 40 years of experience supplying furniture to restaurants, pubs, cafés, hotels and leisure venues, we can provide practical guidance on caring for wooden table tops, seating, upholstery and other hospitality furniture.
Regular care and maintenance will help ensure your furniture continues to perform well and look its best for many years to come.