The heating goes back on, the candles are lit and soon the whole family will be sitting at the table. Cosy, but for your wooden table winter is the toughest season. Dry air, hot dishes, candle wax and a knocked-over glass of red wine: we have all been there. With these tips your table will look beautiful all winter long.
You can read the basics of daily care in our blog How do you care for a mango wood dining table?. Here we focus on the challenges of the cold months.
Why wood can shrink or crack in winter
Wood "moves". It absorbs moisture from the air and releases it again. In summer the air is humid and the wood expands slightly. In winter the heating dries the air out considerably, causing the wood to shrink. If that happens too quickly, small hairline cracks can appear or a joint can open up slightly.
That is not a manufacturing fault. It is part of solid wood. But you can largely prevent it.
How to protect your table from dry air
- Keep your distance from the heating. Place your table at least a metre from radiators, the wood stove or the fireplace. Also watch out for underfloor heating directly under a table leg.
- Maintain a healthy humidity level. Between 40 and 60% is ideal, for your table and for you. A simple hygrometer shows where you stand. Is the air too dry? Use a humidifier, or put a few plants or a small bowl of water on the radiator.
- Heat gently. Big jumps in temperature are the hardest on wood. A constant temperature is better than turning the heating right up in the evening.
- Keep maintenance simple. Our tables are matt lacquered. Wipe the top with a damp cloth and a mild soapy water and dry it afterwards; oil or wax is not needed. Use coasters under hot pans and wet glasses.
Protection during Christmas dinner
A festive dinner is when the most can go wrong. Prepare your table with:
- A table runner or placemats. You can still see the beautiful wood, but the top is protected.
- Coasters for glasses, dishes and pans. A hot oven dish straight on the wood can leave a white mark or a burn.
- Candles in a holder or on a dish. Never put a candle directly on the wood, nor on a thin napkin.
- A dry cloth within reach. The faster you wipe something up, the smaller the chance of a stain.
Removing stains after the holidays
Please note: always test first on an inconspicuous spot. Our tables are matt lacquered. Do you have a table with a different finish and are you unsure? Get in touch with us.
Removing candle wax from your wooden table
- Let the candle wax harden completely. An ice cube in a bag placed on top speeds this up.
- Carefully slide most of it off with a plastic card or spatula. Do not use a knife.
- Place a piece of kitchen paper on the remains and warm it briefly with a hairdryer on a low setting. The paper absorbs the melted wax.
- Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
Wine stains and other wet stains
Dab (do not rub) immediately with a dry cloth or kitchen paper. Then use a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild soap, and dry straight away. Do not use all-purpose cleaner, vinegar or scouring agents: they damage the protective layer.
White rings
White rings are usually caused by moisture or heat that has got into the top layer. They often disappear by themselves after a few days in a warm, dry room. Do not sand or oil a lacquered top. Does the ring remain visible? Then contact us.
After the holidays: a little refresh
Early January is a good time to give your table some attention again. Clean the top with a damp cloth and a mild soapy water and let it dry well. Oil or wax is not needed for our matt lacquered tables. That way your table starts the new year fresh.