Movement and Stability

Timber furniture naturally expands and contracts with
seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. During winter, indoor air tends
to be drier, whereas summer months bring increased moisture. To minimise
movement, it is best to keep furniture away from direct heat sources such as
radiators and heaters, as well as areas with excessive moisture like near air
conditioning units. If your furniture includes extendable sections or leaves,
these should be allowed time to adjust to their new environment. Ideally,
tables should remain fully extended for at least two weeks to help them
stabilise.

Sunlight and Heat

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to fading and
drying out of timber. To prevent uneven discolouration, furniture should be
rotated regularly, and table leaves should be extended periodically. Since wood
is not naturally heat resistant, always use insulated placemats to protect
surfaces from hot mugs, dishes, or cookware. Allowing for proper air
circulation can also help maintain the furniture’s condition. Leaving a gap of
approximately 25mm between the back of the furniture and the wall helps to
regulate temperature and prolongs the lifespan of the timber.

Rubio Protection

All our naturally oiled Ash furniture is finished with Rubio’s protective linseed oil coating that provides durable, long-lasting protection while preserving the timber’s natural appearance. Unlike surface coatings that merely sit on top of the wood, Rubio’s oil-based formula bonds at a cellular level, penetrating the fibres to create a strong and resilient finish.

Everyday Care

While the Rubio finish offers effective protection against
water and spills, it only does so for about four hours. Any liquid should be
wiped away promptly to prevent stains. For daily upkeep, a dry microfibre cloth
can be used for dusting, while a damp cloth is sufficient to remove minor
marks. To maintain the Rubio finish, apply the Rubio All Natural Wood Cleaner
once a week, as it is specially designed to care for the linseed oil treatment.
Standard furniture polishes and cleaners should be avoided, as they may damage
the finish. Most stains can be treated using the Rubio All Natural Wood
Cleaner, but for tougher marks such as grease, lime, or tannic acid stains,
Rubio Monocoat stain removers are more effective. These can be easily applied
using the Rubio Scrubby Set.

Spot Cleaning for Stains

Tannin stains, which appear as black marks on timber
surfaces, are caused by prolonged contact with damp metal or ceramic objects,
such as mugs or plant pots. To remove these stains and restore the furniture’s
original appearance, the Rubio Tannin Spot Remover is specifically formulated
to lift the marks without damaging the wood.

Ongoing Maintenance

The Rubio finish provides long-lasting protection, but
well-used furniture may begin to show signs of wear over time. To refresh the
surface and maintain its original beauty, it is recommended to use the Rubio
Monocoat Universal Maintenance Set (White 5%) every few years.

·        
To refresh the finish, begin by removing all
dust from the surface.

·        
Next, apply Rubio All Natural Wood Cleaner or
Surface Care and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth or mop—rinsing is not
necessary.

·        
Once the surface has completely dried, mix the
Universal Maintenance Oil with Oil Plus 2C (White 5%) in a 3:1 ratio as
provided in the set, ensuring the mixture is thoroughly combined.

·        
Apply a small amount of oil with a brush, then
use a red Rubio Monocoat Scrubby pad to spread it evenly across the wood.

·        
It is best to work in sections of 2-4m² at a
time to ensure consistent coverage.

·        
After allowing the oil to absorb for a few
minutes, massage it into the wood with a white Rubio Monocoat Scrubby pad.

·        
Finally, any excess oil should be wiped away
using a Rubio Monocoat Oil Removal Cloth, leaving an even, well-protected
surface.

For further information on timber care and maintaining the
condition of your furniture, refer to Rubio’s FAQ pages.