Furniture care guide

The Nua Studio – Care Guide for Wood and Furniture Products

At The Nua Studio, we craft furniture and interior products with durability and beauty in mind. To help your pieces last, this guide provides clear care instructions based on the materials and finishes used.

General Care (All Wood and Furniture Products)

Avoid direct sunlight: Prevents fading, cracking, or drying
Maintain humidity (ideal: 40–60%): Prevents wood from expanding or warping
Use soft cloths: Dry or slightly damp microfiber works best
Use coasters, placemats, and trivets: Protects against stains, heat, and moisture
Lift items, don’t drag: Reduces surface scratches
Wipe spills immediately: This is one of the most important steps. See below.

🧼 How to Clean Spills (All Surfaces)

Act quickly: Blot the spill with a soft, dry cloth — don’t let liquids sit
For sticky messes: Use a soft cloth dampened with water and a drop of dish soap
Wipe gently — do not scrub harshly
Dry the area immediately with a clean cloth

Tip: Blot instead of rub. Rubbing can spread moisture or damage finishes.

Laminated melamine and Marine Plywood Products

Often used in cabinets, storage units, modular furniture, and worktops. These materials are moisture-resistant and durable, but still require proper care to maintain their finish.

✅ How to Clean:

Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water and a drop of mild dish soap
Dry all surfaces and edges immediately after cleaning
Use mats, trivets, or heat-resistant pads under all hot items — HPL and melamine surfaces can blister, discolor, or delaminate if exposed to heat above 100°C (212°F)
Place protective mats under appliances like rice cookers, air fryers, kettles, or coffee machines that emit heat or steam

🚫 Avoid:

Placing hot pans, pots, or freshly baked trays directly on the surface (always use trivets)
Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool
Harsh cleaners (bleach, acetone, vinegar)
Standing water on edges or seams
Dragging heavy items across surfaces

Tip: Heat damage is permanent and not covered by warranty — always use a protective layer between hot items and the surface.

Polyurethane-Coated Wood (Protective Wood Coating)

This clear, protective finish (polyurethane) is applied to many of our wood surfaces to shield against moisture, light scratches, and everyday wear.

✅ How to Clean:

Use a soft cloth dampened with water and a drop of dish soap
Wipe gently and dry immediately with a clean cloth
Use felt pads under objects that rest on the surface

🚫 Avoid:

Alcohol, bleach, acetone, or paint thinner
Soaked rags or wet cleaning tools
Steam mops or oily furniture polish
Applying wax or oils unless labeled “safe for polyurethane finishes”

Lacquer-Finished Wood

Lacquer creates a smooth, glossy or satin finish and enhances the wood grain. It’s more delicate than polyurethane.

✅ How to Clean:

Dust with a dry microfiber cloth regularly
For fingerprints or dirt, use a cloth dampened with water + a drop of dish soap, then dry immediately

🚫 Avoid:

Alcohol, vinegar, ammonia, or other harsh cleaners
Spraying cleaners directly on the furniture
Letting moisture sit
Using wax-based or oily polishes

Outdoor Furniture Products

✅ How to Maintain:

Clean weekly with mild soapy water and a soft cloth to remove dust, dirt, and salt deposits (especially near coastal areas).
Always dry thoroughly after rain or cleaning to prevent prolonged moisture exposure.
Use protective covers when not in use for extended periods.
Store furniture indoors or in a sheltered area during long rainy periods or typhoon season.
Use UV-protective covers or place in shaded areas to help reduce fading and surface wear.

🚫 Avoid:

Leaving cushions or fabric parts soaked or exposed to rain for extended periods.
Dragging furniture across concrete, tiles, or rough surfaces (lift instead to prevent frame or leg damage).
Using harsh detergents, bleach, solvents, or high-pressure washers.
Allowing furniture to sit in standing water for prolonged periods.
Placing very hot items (like hot pans or metal cookware) directly on wood or synthetic surfaces without protection.

💡 Other Tip:

Regular light cleaning and protecting your furniture from extreme conditions will help it look its best and last longer.

⚠ Wood Movement is Natural:

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity.
This may result in small cracks, hairline splits, or slight surface movement over time — this is a normal characteristic of outdoor wood furniture and not considered a defect.
These changes do not affect the overall strength or function of the furniture when cared for properly.

Kitchen Countertops (Quartz, Granite, Solid Surface)

Premium countertop materials require consistent care to stay looking new.

Quartz

✅ Wipe with water, soft cloth, and a drop of dish soap
🚫 Avoid bleach, acetone, or hot pans directly on surface

Granite

✅ Use mild soap or granite-safe cleaner; dry spills quickly
🚫 Avoid vinegar or citrus-based cleaners
✅ Reseal occasionally if advised by installer

Solid Surface

✅ Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth
🚫 Avoid direct heat, acetone, or brightly colored cleaners

Additional Notes

New furniture smell: Air out in a well-ventilated space
Refinishing or repairs: Contact us before attempting modifications
Warranty coverage: See our Warranty Policy
Outdoor notice: Only outdoor-rated furniture should be used outside