Taking Care of Oak Furniture Never place oak furniture in direct sunlight day after day. Additionally, do not place it in front of heat runs, wood burning stoves or radiators. In adjusting to major changes in temperature and humidity, oak exchanges moisture with the air. Solid oak furniture will respond to extremely dry air by losing moisture and shrinking a bit. Without affecting the table's strength or sturdiness, tabletop halves may part slightly, but they will close again when it becomes more humid. Avoid extreme humidity levels in your home, as furniture woods don't take kindly to excessively dry air or extremely high humidity. To protect your solid oak furniture, use a humidifier and/or air conditioner to maintain a humidity level in your home between 25 and 35 percent. During winter weather, think about what happens to your skin. These harsh conditions also affect your furniture. When the air becomes very dry, tiny openings may appear on solid wood surfaces. When the humidity rises, they will close again because the wood absorbs the moisture and swells. Before they are used in furniture, solid oak is slowly and carefully dried, just enough natural moisture remains to heighten the wood's performance as a time honored furniture material. No piece of wood looks exactly like another in coloration or grain variety, as no two trees are alike. This is one of the wonderful qualities of oak that gives each piece an air of uniqueness. Therefore, the solid oak furniture you saw in the showroom will not be identical to that being delivered to your home. When moving your oak furniture, you should avoid dragging it. Additionally, don't yank or slam doors, drawers or lids. When storing your filler leaves, try to store them as close as possible to the table itself. Perhaps an upstairs closet rather than a damp basement. Dust frequently, using a clean, soft cloth. When cleaning or dusting, always clean with the grain of the wood. In order to avoid scratches, take extra care to lift objects and never drag or slide them across the surface. While you may use a mild soap and water solution to clean a spill, you should always make sure the surface is completely dry. Avoid the use of strong detergents and never use a glass cleaner to clean your hardwood furniture. Over applying waxes or polishes will create a buildup and actually attract dust and could eventually damage the surface by causing the wood to dry out. Only use products that contain natural ingredients. Always use a coaster or pad to prevent damage from hot casseroles, wet glasses, and heavy objects. Avoid leaving rubber or vinyl mats on the surface as this may cause yellowing or may soften the finish. Be especially careful of perfume, alcohol, solvents, and nail polish. Blot spills immediately using a dabbing motion. Do not rub.