Oak is a wonderful choice of wood for both exterior and interior doors. Not only does this wood look incredibly stylish, but it is very durable so you can rest assured that your bespoke oak doors will stand the test of time.
Of course, even the most durable of wood will need cleaning and some TLC from time to time. So, the following are our three top tips for keeping your oak doors clean and in great condition:
- Use a soft cloth
- Always go with the grain
- Avoid harsh chemicals
1. Use a soft cloth
The best way to keep on top of your oak door maintenance is to regularly wipe them down with a soft cloth. A microfibre cloth works wonders for getting rid of surface-level grime and will keep the wood looking as beautiful as the day it was installed.
While it might be tempting to reach for any old cloth you have lying around, we do recommend choosing one from a soft material to avoid causing any micro-scratches to the surface of the oak.
2. Always go with the grain
When you are giving your oak doors a wipe down, whether with a dry microfibre cloth or using a mild cleaning agent, always go with the grain of the wood as you wipe.
The grain of the wood simply refers to the direction in which the wood has grown – you can see this in the markings in the wood. It’s what makes oak doors so beautiful and full of character too.
In oak doors, the grain will usually be running vertically as this is the most common direction in which the pieces of wood are hung. When you’re cleaning your oak doors, simply follow the direction of the pattern as you wipe.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals
It’s best to keep your cleaning regime simple. Use warm, soapy water and avoid soaking the wood while you’re cleaning. Avoid any kind of bleach or abrasive cleaner, as this could strip the varnish from the oak and damage it.
