Furniture Care Guide

Guidance on caring for your furniture over time

1. Regular cleaning of oiled timber surfaces

To maintain the appearance of your furniture’s oiled timber finish, we recommend regular light dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth, following the direction of the grain.

For general cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth, then dry the surface immediately to avoid moisture sitting on the timber. The same approach can be used for painted, metal, and glass elements.

Spills should be blotted immediately using a soft, damp cloth to help prevent staining or discolouration.

For a more thorough clean, apply a small amount of Rubio Monocoat Surface Care Ecospray and wipe with a lint-free cloth, following the grain (weekly or as required).

Avoid using household cleaning products, solvents, or any cleaners not specifically intended for oiled timber.

Avoid excessive rubbing or focused cleaning in one area, as this can affect the consistency of the finish.

Oiled surfaces can be maintained and refreshed over time, whereas lacquered finishes are less suited to localised repair.

2. Precautions

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause discolouration over time. Where possible, position furniture away from strong sunlight or use blinds or curtains to reduce exposure.

Allow at least 10cm clearance from radiators or other heat sources. Avoid placing furniture near direct heat or air conditioning units, and protect it from sudden changes in humidity or exposure to steam, as this can cause movement in timber and veneers.

Use protective mats under hot dishes, heavy objects, or when writing or drawing. Avoid placing hot items directly onto surfaces, and take care not to drag objects across the furniture, as this may cause marking.

When moving furniture, always lift with sufficient support — never drag. Ensure weight is evenly distributed when carrying.

We recommend leaving a small gap (approx. 2cm) behind larger pieces such as cabinets and sideboards to allow for air circulation.

Avoid overloading. Drawer runners are designed to support loads of up to 40kg per drawer.

Furniture should be used as intended. Misuse may result in damage.

If your furniture becomes scratched, stained, or otherwise damaged, please contact us for advice before attempting any repairs. Repairs carried out without guidance may cause further damage.

3. Caring for faux leather, wallcoverings, and other materials

Treat spills and stains immediately by blotting with an absorbent cloth, working from the edge of the stain inward to avoid spreading. Avoid abrasive cloths or excessive rubbing.

Protect surfaces from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may cause fading or deterioration over time. Where possible, position furniture away from strong sunlight.

Ensure good room ventilation, as airborne pollutants such as cooking fumes or smoke can affect surfaces and contribute to unwanted odours.

If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaner or contact the Goodmakers team for advice.

For materials not supplied by Goodmakers (such as stone, marble, or natural leather), please refer to the relevant supplier for care guidance.

4. Long-term maintenance

Your furniture is built to last, but some components may benefit from occasional adjustment to ensure everything continues to function smoothly.

  • Door Hinges: Adjustable in three directions to align the door. Screws should be checked periodically and gently tightened if required — take care not to over-tighten.
  • Drawer Runners: If drawers require adjustment over time, instructions are available upon request.

If you’re unsure, we recommend contacting us before making adjustments.

For diagrams, guidance, or assistance, please contact us at info@goodmakersfurniture.co.uk or call 01223 967147.

5. Goodmakers Care and Maintenance Service

If you’d prefer to leave the long-term maintenance of your furniture to us, our Care & Maintenance Service is available to ensure everything continues to perform as intended.

6. What’s included in our Care and Maintenance Service?

Our Care & Maintenance Service includes:

  • Full furniture inspection
  • Door and drawer re-alignment
  • Adjustment and tightening of handles, legs, feet, and other components
  • Replacement of worn or missing components (including felt pads, glides, and shelf supports)
  • Application of Rubio Monocoat Refresh Eco Spray to oiled surfaces
  • Re-oiling of heavily used oiled timber surfaces (where required)
  • Touch-up of minor scratches and marks (subject to finish type and prior inspection)
  • Replacement RMC care kit (Surface Care Spray, Refresh Eco Spray & lint-free cloths)
  • Personalised advice on ongoing care and maintenance

We recommend re-oiling heavily used surfaces, such as tabletops, every 2–3 years to maintain durability and appearance.

Service time is approximately one hour per item, depending on size, complexity, and condition. Our technicians will work carefully and leave your space as they found it.

Surfaces that have been re-oiled should be left unused for 48 hours, and only cleaned after 5 days once fully cured.

7. Pricing & How to book a service

Pricing varies depending on the quantity, scale, and complexity of the furniture requiring service.

To request a quotation or arrange a visit, please contact us by phone or email. Once we have the relevant details, we’ll schedule a date and time that works for you.

8. What’s not included in this package?

Our Care & Maintenance Service focuses on upkeep and adjustment, and does not include on-site repairs.

If your furniture has developed stains, scratches, or other damage, please contact us for advice. We can provide a quotation for repair following inspection, although in some cases a full restoration may not be possible.

The Care & Maintenance Service is not intended to replace regular day-to-day care of your furniture.

9. Warranty

All Goodmakers furniture is covered by a 5-year warranty from the date of delivery, covering faulty workmanship and materials under normal use.

If a fault arises within this period, we will repair or replace the item as appropriate.

The warranty does not cover:

  • General wear and tear
  • Misuse or improper care
  • Accidental damage

Repairs or replacements carried out under warranty do not extend the original warranty period.

Please refer to this care guide for guidance on maintaining your furniture.

Goodmakers furniture is designed and built to stand the test of time. Natural wear will develop through everyday use, but with proper care, your piece will continue to perform and evolve in character over the years.