Wood is a natural substance, part of the Earth's living system. It reacts to extreme environmental changes. The finish which covers it acts like a sealer. It's tough but still vulnerable to sunlight, heat, humidity, liquids, and abrasives, much as the human skin is sensitive to environmental hazards. The following steps will help you preserve the beauty of Excelsior Designs' famous finishes.

Humidity and Extreme Temperature Changes
The porous and fibrous nature of wood allows water or vapor to move through it with vast speed. When humidity is joined by temperature extremes, the potential for harm is increased. The natural tendency for wood to swell or shrink with humidity changes creates the common problem of doors sticking in summer, while swinging free in winter. Too much variation too quickly will not give the wood time to adjust.

If you move from one area of the country to another, such as from the humid Gulf to the arid Southwest, you may need to have a cabinetmaker adjust doors and drawers.

Avoid localized heat damage from hot coffee pots, casserole dishes, or irons placed directly on the finished surface. Utilize pads, trivets, and coasters to protect your furniture surface.

The use of plastic or rubber tabs or feet (phones, radios, etc.) on wood furniture may result in staining due to plasticizer migration. Damage from temperature and humidity will show in a swollen joint, hairline cracks, blistering, or buckling of the finish.

As a general rule, if your home is comfortable for you, it's safe for your furniture.

Heat Outlets
Placing your Excelsior Designs chair or dresser near a heat/air conditioning outlet exposes it to temperature variations. Just remember that humidifiers, fireplaces, heaters, and registers can send blasts of warm, cold, or moist air that could damage your furniture.

Direct Sunlight
The sun is a powerful energy source. Its ultraviolet rays can break down the chemical components of a furniture finish. Steady, prolonged exposure can result in "sunburned" furniture, with aging in the form of cracks, called crazing or checking. Some wood finishes can fade, bleached out by the sun. Light woods can darken, tanning beyond their original hue.

Keep your furniture protected by arranging pieces out of direct sunlight. Draw shades, blinds, draperies, or curtains during peak hours, or install tinted windows. Lamps and accessories should be periodically rearranged to prevent spot bleaching.

Open Windows
Cold wind, raindrops, and humidity can slip through windows, especially open ones, and damage your fine Excelsior Designs furniture. Place pieces away from windows, or protect them with sealed panes or lined draperies.

Liquids
If water is allowed to sit on your furniture, it can break down your factory finish, leaving a white mark. If it soaks through to the wood, it can swell or stain the grain, or warp and delaminate the veneer. Some liquids such as alcohol, nail polish, or perfume can dissolve furniture finish on contact, requiring professional repairs.

Guard your furniture by placing a barrier against spills and water condensation with everyday safeguards like coasters, cosmetic trays, and saucers beneath potted plants.

Polishing and Cleaning
Nothing will ruin the beauty and value of an exquisite piece of furniture like a buildup of dust and dirt. Even seldom used pieces accumulate dust from the very air around them.

Polish and Wax
Polishes and waxes are NOT recommended as care for your Excelsior Designs furniture. Excelsior Designs furniture contains a polyester finish which will protect your furniture.

How to Clean and Dust
It is essential to dust and clean your furniture regularly. The air carries dust, air pollutants, smoke, and cooking and heating fumes that deposit grit and grime on stationary furniture. These particles can permanently stain or scratch your fine Excelsior Designs furniture.

To prevent abrasion damage, dust by either spraying water directly on the furniture, then wiping it dry, or wipe the surface with a water-moistened cloth to attract and hold dust particles before they drag the surface. Non-ammonia based cleaners may be used. In dusting, always pick up your accessories and replace gently, without sliding them across the surface. For heavy soil, use mild dishwashing soap and water to deep clean your furniture. Wipe immediately, never letting water stand on the hand-finished furniture. Once clean, dry with a cotton cloth.

Choosing a Cloth
Select a clean soft cloth. Remnants of natural materials such as cotton, terry, or flannel serve best. Fabrics with synthetic materials will not completely absorb moisture and can hold water against the surface. A fabric with starch or sizing should be laundered several times before use. Stiff or coarse materials, buttons, button holes, snaps, or seams can scratch the finish of your Excelsior Designs furniture.