Caring for Wood Tables
Caring for wood tables doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are four tips to make sure you avoid any damage and ensure that your investment will last.
Wood tables are an easy and durable choice for just about any restaurant setting.The versatile material can fit in any dining application. Depending on the finish, wood tables work beautifully in everything from fast casual to fine dining.Once you have the perfect wood tables for your venue, you’ll want to keep them looking beautiful. You’ll need to give them proper maintenance.
Caring for wood tables doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are four tips to make sure you avoid any damage and ensure that your investment will last.
Rags Can Be Rough
While wiping down your tables on the daily is a must, you need to be careful about what you wipe them down with. Just any old rag won’t do. Ideally, you should use a soft cloth such as a t-shirt or cheesecloth to wipe down the table. Make sure the cloth is damp but well wrung out (we’ll talk more about this in just a sec!). Rub in the direction of the wood grain. This will be more obvious with some woods than others.
If you are actually cleaning the table rather than just performing a quick dusting, you may use a gentle dish soap with your water.
The Natural Treatment
While you don’t need to treat your table on a daily basis, daily cleanings with soap and water are fine; you will want to treat your table a few time a year to keep it looking bright, fresh and nourished.
To keep your wood looking fresh, use natural treatments as many chemicals will damage wood surfaces. You should avoid using citrus-based solutions for solid wood as it can act as a stain or finish stripper.
Keep It Dry
Too much moisture can damage most woods, but tables in a restaurant setting will definitely be cleaned numerous times a day. To make sure your tables aren’t getting too saturated, make sure to completely ring out the cloth you are using to clean the table. Once the cloth is damp, wipe off the table and then quickly follow up with a completely dry towel to soak up any extra moisture.
Keep It Cool
Just as too much moisture can damage your wood table, so can too much heat. Extreme heat can cause your wood to split or warp. Avoid heat damage by keeping your table away from direct heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators. While fireplaces can create an optimal ambience, make sure none of your tables are situated directly in front of that fire. Or, don’t let the fire get hot enough to cause any damage. If you are in a high humidity area that often reaches levels of 40% or higher, it may be a good idea to run a dehumidifier whenever possible.
