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Caring for wooden furniture in Chennai humidity
Coastal humidity is hard on wood. A few simple habits will keep your furniture looking new for years.
Wood is a living material. It takes in moisture from the air and gives it back when the air dries, which means it swells slightly in a Chennai monsoon and shrinks again in the heat. Good joinery allows for this. Poor care fights against it.
Keep it out of direct sun and direct rain
Strong afternoon sun bleaches finishes unevenly and dries the surface faster than the core, which is what causes hairline cracks. Position pieces a little away from west-facing windows, or use sheer curtains during the harshest hours. Equally, keep wood away from windows that get driving rain.
Wipe dry, never wet
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth and follow it immediately with a dry one. Standing water is the main enemy of any wood finish. Avoid all-purpose household cleaners and anything containing ammonia or bleach, which strip protective coats.
Let air move around it
Furniture pushed flat against an exterior wall traps moisture behind it, and that is where mildew starts. Leave a couple of centimetres of gap. During long humid spells, run a fan in closed rooms occasionally, or a dehumidifier if you have one.
Oil or wax once or twice a year
- For oiled finishes, a thin coat of furniture oil restores depth and seals the grain. Apply along the grain and wipe off the excess.
- For waxed pieces, a light paste wax buffed with a soft cloth is enough.
- For lacquered or PU finishes, skip the oil entirely and simply keep the surface clean and dry.
Use coasters and felt pads
Hot cups, cold glasses and metal bases all leave marks. Coasters cost almost nothing. Felt pads under lamps and decor items prevent the fine scratches that dull a tabletop over time.
Deal with swelling patiently
If a drawer sticks during monsoon, resist the urge to sand it. Nine times out of ten it will free up on its own once the air dries. Sanding in the wet season leaves you with a loose drawer in summer.
Every Aurhaus piece leaves the studio with care notes for its specific finish. If you have lost yours, write to us and we will send it again.