Wipe down surfaces with a lightly dampened soft cloth — a microfibre cloth works best.

Avoid harsh cleaning products, abrasive cloths, or anything solvent-based.

Avoid positioning your furniture in direct sunlight where possible. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates the natural oxidation of timber, causing uneven colour change over time. If sunlight is unavoidable, periodically rotating or moving objects on the surface will help even out any tonal variation.

Always use placemats and coasters when placing hot dishes or drinks on timber surfaces. Direct heat can cause staining or damage to the finish. Keep furniture away from heating vents, open fireplaces, and heat-generating appliances.

Wipe up spills promptly with a dry or lightly damp cloth. While our finishes offer good moisture resistance, prolonged contact with liquid can affect the timber and finish over time.

Take care when placing unglazed ceramics or rough-based objects on surfaces — these can scratch the finish. Move decorative objects periodically to avoid shadow marks or uneven patina.

Over time, oiled finishes will benefit from a fresh coat to maintain their protection and appearance. This is a straightforward process — get in touch and Dan can walk you through it, or arrange to have it done for you.

For deeper scratches or surface damage, contact us before attempting any repair. Many issues can be resolved with a light sand and re-oil — get in touch at info@danielcharlesstudio.com and we'll advise on the best approach.

Timber is a living material that continues to respond to its environment. Some movement, minor checking, or subtle colour change over time is entirely normal and part of what makes solid timber furniture so unique. These are not defects — they're the character of the material.

To help minimise movement, maintain a reasonably stable indoor environment and keep furniture away from direct heat sources and air conditioning vents.