Natural Characteristics >>
Cleaning Recomendations
We at Oskar Huber Furniture would like to educate you on the natural
characteristic of fine furniture that can sometimes be mistaken
for defects or flaws.
THE “FINGERPRINTS” OF
TREES
Like fingerprints, characteristic differences in color
and grain are produced by Nature in every tree. These variations
create the beauty and interest found in fine woods. Since these
differences in texture and grain do affect the finish, it is impossible
to guarantee an exact match in finish between two pieces of furniture,
even though identical finishing processes are applied. We hope you
will appreciate and enjoy their beauty.
BLACK
CHERRY OR WILD CHERRY grows over the eastern half of the
United States. However, the heart of the cherry region centers in
the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. It is a crown tree, taller
than most trees in the forest and, at maturity, will reach over
100 feet in height and a diameter of 36” The heartwood varies
in color from a pale pine to a reddish brown; the larger the tree,
the deeper the color at the heart. There is a distinct demarcation
between the heartwood and the sapwood. The sapwood is a narrow ring
of growth usually about one and one-half inches around the perimeter
of the tree where the growth is actually taking place. Its color
is a pale yellowish white. Birds are naturally attracted to the
nutrients in the sapwood and peck into the wood causing a “cherry
pitch mark” a naturally occurring blemish in the wood itself.
Sap collects in the pockets and turns a dark brown color creating
interest as contrasting darker areas. Another characteristic of
cherry, but less often seen, is the “tiny pin knots”
or as we prefer to call them, “Beauty Marks”. Cherry
is one of the first trees to leaf out in the spring. Therefore,
tiny sprigs will grow from the tree. As the foliage of the surrounding
trees become denser, the sunlight is shut off from sprigs and they
die. Naturally this leaves a “Beauty Mark”. Because
of its choice properties cherry is considered one of the finest
American cabinet woods.
KNOTS: Most often associated
with PINE, knots are again indigenous to the species. Knots
are certainly to be expected in pine furniture and add to
the warm casual look of this sturdy material.
GRAIN MARKINGS: Inherent in all woods, but
mostly obvious in OAK, are grain markings. Variations in grain
markings are as prevalent and natural as the differences in
people’s complexions.
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CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
- DUST frequently. The best cloth to use to clean and polish is
soft cotton (or cotton blend) that has been washed several times
to remove lint. Old diapers, T-shirts, flannel, or cheesecloth
are some of the best. A damp clean cloth is all that is needed.
Start in a different room each time for more uniform furniture
care.
- CLEAN up spills immediately. Blot the spill rather than wiping.
- POLISHING. Never use water to clean any type of wood! Instead,
use a “lemon polish” (which doesn’t contain
silicone) available at your local supermarket. This type of polish
contains cleaners capable of removing most household soils, and
also deposits a wax finish on the surface, which produces a pleasing
shine. Furniture does not need to be polished as often as most
polish makers would like you to think. Over-polishing is the main
cause of damaged finishes. We recommend polishing your furniture
approximately every six months, using a clean, soft, lint-free
cloth.
- CORRECT environmental conditions will add longevity to the
life of fine furniture. Avoid placing your furniture in the direct
sunlight because it has a bleaching effect on wood and finishes.
Also, avoid extremes in room humidity and temperature. Too high
or too low humidity can cause wood to warp and/or split, or the
glue used in applying veneers to loosen. Arrange furniture away
from radiators, registers, and air conditioning units.
- ROTATE your accessories on the furniture so they do not sit
in the same spot all of the time.
- DO NOT place plastic or rubber objects, hot dishes, beverages,
book-ends, flower pots, or vases on a wood finish--their ingredients
may cause residue or soften the finish. Instead, use pads, cloth,
or felt to protect the surface.
- To prevent water rings, always make coasters easily accessible.
We recommend using one made of wood that is felt or cork underneath
and has an absorbent material to rest the glass on.
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