How to Care for and Maintain Your Wood Table

One of the most common questions we get is, “How do I take care of my table?” The good news is that caring for your solid wood table doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s all about consistent, gentle cleaning and avoiding the things that can damage the finish. Here’s our guide to keeping your table looking beautiful for years to come.

Daily Cleaning

For everyday use, a simple damp rag is enough to wipe away crumbs, fingerprints, or light messes. If you prefer to use a cleaner, we recommend mild wood-safe products like:

• Mrs. Meyer’s

• Murphy’s

• Method’s “Wood for Good”

These are all gentle, effective, and safe for wood finishes.

Dealing with Spills

Accidents happen! We recommend wiping spills right away to prevent staining or water rings. Wood is naturally porous, so the quicker you catch it, the better.

Protecting Against Heat

One of the biggest culprits for table damage is heat. Hot pans, plates, or mugs can burn the finish. Our rule of thumb:
If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your table.
Always use trivets, coasters, or heat pads to protect the surface.

What to Avoid

Not all cleaners are wood-friendly. Harsh chemicals like disinfecting wipes, vinegar, or bleach should be avoided. Over time, they will eat away at the finish and dull the shine.

Adding Shine

If you’d like to refresh your table’s look, you can use products like:

• Pledge

• Orange Glo

For best results, spray the product on a rag first, then wipe the table. (Pro tip: spraying directly on the surface can make your floors slippery if overspray lands there.)

Final Rule of Thumb

At the end of the day, table care is simple:

If you take care of your table, your table will take care of you.