How to care for a solid wood kitchen

At all times, an accessible natural material – wood – was used to make furniture. Over the past decades, manufacturers have been offering a variety of synthetic materials, but after evaluating their advantages and disadvantages, we prefer solid wood headsets.

Advantages of a solid wood kitchen set

Before purchasing a kitchen set made of natural material, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics, features of operation and care. Wood is a living, “breathing” material, this should not be forgotten. Benefits of solid wood kitchen furniture:

1. The material is safe for humans and pets, does not emit toxic components under the influence of high temperatures and humidity.
2. Headset items made of hardwood will last for several decades, unlike MDF, chipboard , plastic. Wood can withstand significant loads. The surface treated with protective compositions does not react to mechanical shocks, moisture, chemical reagents. Solid wood securely holds fasteners and fittings, drawers and bedside tables do not lose strength with frequent use.
3. Solid wood furniture can be repaired by yourself by replacing or repairing the damaged fragment. With the help of paint and varnish compositions, you can update the headset by choosing a modern shade.
4. Wooden products have a special charm inherent in natural materials. Wood lends itself to various types of processing, the surface can be decorated with carvings, inlays, veneered.
5. The wooden surface always has a comfortable temperature, it is cool in summer and warm in winter.

From solid wood, you can make a headset in any style. Each item is unique, there are no fragments with the same pattern and shade. The material also has disadvantages – a large mass, a negative reaction to moisture, the possibility of mold and fungus damage. To avoid this, you must comply with the operating conditions.

How to care for solid wood furniture

The life span of a solid wood kitchen depends on how you take care of it. The material is affected by sunlight, humidity, temperature. Optimal conditions are temperature 18–22°C, relative humidity 65–70%.

Observe the following rules:

1. Try to avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
2.  Ventilate the kitchen regularly.
3. Leave space between furniture and cold walls or radiators. Underfloor heating is not the best option in this case.
4. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture on the surface, dry immediately with a dry cloth.
5. Protect the surface from direct sunlight.
6. Protect kitchen furniture made of solid wood from point impacts, scratches. Use thick boards for cutting food.
7. Wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth
8. Use neutral detergents for cleaning. Do not use abrasive products.
9. After cleaning, wipe wet areas dry.
10. Take care not to splash the furniture with products that can dissolve the surface layer – acetone, alcohol, gasoline.
11. Do not place hot objects on the surface.

Facades and countertops made of solid wood should be regularly treated with protective compounds. If chips and scratches appear on the surface, do not delay the repair. Moisture that gets into the open area will destroy the internal structure of the tree. For processing solid wood kitchen furniture, use paints and varnishes approved for food contact. Following these rules will ensure durability and preservation of appearance.