Hardwood Furniture Care & Maintenance

Care & Maintenance

Camelback Home furniture is handcrafted from solid hardwood. With routine cleaning, proper moisture management, and periodic finish maintenance, your furniture can provide years of outdoor enjoyment.

Natural hardwood changes as it ages. Color variation, gradual weathering, seasonal movement, and small surface checks are normal characteristics—not signs that the furniture is failing.

Routine Cleaning

For regular cleaning:

1. Remove loose dirt with a soft brush or dry cloth.
2. Wash using clean water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
4. Allow the furniture to dry completely with good airflow.

Clean spills promptly, especially food, beverages, sunscreen, oils, bird droppings, and plant debris.

Avoid:

• Pressure washers.
• Steel wool and abrasive cleaning pads.
• Harsh household cleaners.
• Bleach, ammonia, solvents, and stripping chemicals.
• Silicone-based furniture polishes.
• Leaving wet towels, cushions, planters, or decorations on the wood.

Moisture and Ventilation

Standing water and trapped moisture are among the greatest threats to outdoor wood furniture.

• Keep drainage spaces and gaps clear.
• Do not allow water to pool beneath cushions or accessories.
• Allow furniture to dry before covering it.
• Use a breathable outdoor furniture cover rather than plastic sheeting.
• Maintain airflow beneath and around covered furniture.
• Remove cushions during extended rain or when the furniture will not be used.

Furniture placed on soil, grass, or surfaces that remain wet may experience accelerated moisture exposure.

Sunlight and Natural Color Change

Sunlight naturally changes the appearance of hardwood. Depending on the species, wood may deepen, lighten, soften in color, or gradually develop a weathered surface.

Exterior finishes slow these changes but cannot eliminate them. Covers, shaded placement, and routine finish maintenance provide the best protection from prolonged UV exposure.

Uneven exposure can produce uneven color change. Occasionally reposition movable objects, cushions, and accessories to allow the surface to age more evenly.

Maintaining the Finish

Inspect the finish at least twice each year and after periods of severe weather. Areas receiving intense sunlight, frequent moisture, or heavy use may require maintenance sooner.

Signs that maintenance may be needed include:

• Reduced water resistance.
• Dry or uneven-looking areas.
• Noticeable fading or loss of finish.
• Increased surface roughness.
• Exposed or unprotected wood.

Do not apply an unrelated oil, stain, polyurethane, or sealer over the existing finish. Different finish systems may not be compatible. Contact Camelback Home before recoating so we can identify the original finish and recommend the appropriate maintenance product and preparation.

Seasonal Wood Movement

Solid hardwood naturally expands and contracts as temperature and humidity change. Slight movement at seams, small surface checks, and minor dimensional changes can occur outdoors.

These characteristics generally stabilize as conditions change. Contact Camelback Home if movement affects the structural integrity or safe use of the furniture.

Hardware Maintenance

Inspect hardware periodically and tighten loose fasteners using the appropriate hand tool.

• Do not overtighten hardware.
• Avoid power tools unless specifically directed by the assembly instructions.
• Rinse hardware exposed to saltwater, pool chemicals, or heavy environmental deposits.
• Contact Camelback Home if hardware becomes damaged, stripped, or difficult to secure.

Cushion Care

Brush away loose dirt before it becomes embedded. Clean spills promptly using mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and allow the cushions to air-dry completely.

• Follow the care label supplied with the cushion.
• Do not store cushions while damp.
• Keep cushions in a dry, ventilated location during extended periods of nonuse.
• Do not machine-wash cushion inserts or covers unless specifically permitted by their care label.
• Avoid placing damp cushions on finished wood.

Fabric and cushion manufacturers may provide additional product-specific cleaning instructions.

Severe Weather and Storage

During extreme weather, high winds, flooding, freezing conditions, or extended periods of nonuse:

• Move furniture to a protected, ventilated area when possible.
• Remove and store cushions.
• Clean and completely dry furniture before covering or storing it.
• Do not store furniture in direct contact with damp floors or walls.
• Avoid tightly sealed coverings that can trap condensation.

Need Assistance?

If you are uncertain about cleaning products, finish compatibility, replacement hardware, or refinishing, contact Camelback Home before proceeding. Include your order number, hardwood species, finish selection, and photographs when possible.

Improper cleaning, incompatible coatings, neglected maintenance, and trapped moisture may cause damage not covered under the Camelback Home Limited Warranty.