So you scored that Danish Modern credenza/side table/lamp/chair off craigslist or you actually just found one on the street, so how do you keep it in good shape? Tips after the jump:
How to: Take Care of your Danish Modern Score
If it's an authentic piece, its likely to be made of teak, a very durable wood that is normally oiled and not lacquered. I currently am in possession of my Grandmother's teak furniture that she kept in good shape since the 60's when she bought it. I wouldn't say that she was uptight about maintenance, but that I definitely learned what to do and not do to teak.
• If it's dirty or dusty you'll want to wipe it down with a damp rag.
• According to my grandmother don't ever use Murphy's Oil Soap (or any soap) on teak.
• Don't let water sit on it. Whether it's a glass with condensation or a sponge that you're using to wipe it down, dry it off immediately.
• Have a schedule for oiling it (once a month would keep it dark and golden and would make sure that any grime wouldn't have a chance to build up).
For Oiling:
• Using part of a soft tee shirt, saturate the material with Teak Oil and then rub onto the wood.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes or so
• Go back over the shiny spots with a clean dry shirt to make sure the oil has been absorbed
OR
• If the wood is very dry you may need to reapply the oil a couple of times before its gotten its fill (for outdoor furniture for example)
• Keep the saturated rag in a ziplock so that you don't waste oil.
For other kinds of wood, check out Danish Furniture Maintenance.
image via mid century modernist
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Another great tip: Use steel wool and oil if the grain is raised or for tough dirt build-up. A light sanding with the wool, in the direction of the grain, can really help.
view SBDesign's profile
Very useful, thanks.
view Laurita's profile
Where is the "image via" . . . ?
view squiggle's profile
Squiggle, it's from The Mid-Century Modernist.
http://www.midcenturymodernist.com/2007/09/curious-cabinet.html
Wow, I have a good memory!
view kitty teeth's profile
A word from the wise -- DON'T LET AN OIL SOAKED RAG SIT IN A LUMP AFTER USING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a very important thing. Oily rags generate heat, and will actually combust if left balled up. It's true, I've seen it myself. I make furniture, and it's happened to me. If you aren't around to put it out, it can be disastrous. (doubly bad if you work in a woodshop, like me!) Just find a place to lay them out flat. You don't need to get too anal about flattening out every bump, do take care to do it.
The poster mentioned leaving the rag in a plastic bag. This might be ok until some air gets in, but if you for get to seal the bag properly . . .
view LittlechairDesign's profile
Thanks for the tip littlechairdesign!
And squiggle and kitty teeth--you're right! I fixed the link now, and the image is from mid century modernist
view laure's profile
Regarding the balled up rags:
I usually soak them with water and then put them in a bag and dispose of them. I don't know if this is the safest thing, maybe LittlechairDesign can comment. I just figured this was the safest way to dispose of oil/solvent soaked rags.
view SBDesign's profile
The way I was taught to get rid of them is just to lay them out flat and let them dry. I usually hang them over the edge of my trash can. They will harden up a bit as they dry. Once it dries it is safe to throw out.
view LittlechairDesign's profile