OUR 9 TIPS FOR BAMBOO CARE & MAITENANCE
Indoor/Outdoor Furniture
Our bamboo adds an elegant and dramatic accent to any home no matter the home style.
Even though we know bamboo as being very stylish and earth friendly, it is not actually a type of wood but it is, in fact, a type of grass.
That is why you find bamboo to be more stronger, but yet more flexible than other furniture
material. The other good thing is that it doesn’t require too much maintenance and is easily cared for to give years of enjoyment. However, you still need to care for it from time to time.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to effectively take care of your bamboo furniture,
then read on. We will provide you with some tips to ensure that your furniture will look clean and pristine for a very, very long time.
As mentioned before, bamboo furniture requires relatively little maintenance over time, the main concern with any bamboo or wood product is water exposure and excessive dryness.
Water and dampness encourages rot and the growth of mold, which deteriorate the “wood”
quality of bamboo, while very dry air can also strip it of natural oils. Both unfinished and
finished bamboo require some basic upkeep to maintain their beauty, form, color, and durability.
These tips can help preserve the beauty and lifespan of your bamboo furniture.
1. Keep Water Exposure to a Minimum
For outdoor furniture in particular, keep water exposure to a minimum.
Gazebos on the other hand have roofs for protection and are meant to be in the elements
2. Furniture Oil
To maintain the luster of your indoor bamboo, you can rub it every month or two with some Lemon or Orange Oil made for furniture.
Remember that very low humidity can cause bamboo finish to dry out quicker, so for indoor furniture applying a small amount of oil on a regular basis can be very beneficial for your finish.
3. Clean
Always best to dust, brush, or vacuum accumulated surface dirt prior to the use of any soap and water. After all the visible dirt has been cleaned, wash using a Damp soft cloth or sponge.
4. Use Mild Soap
To clean unfinished or finished bamboo, use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soapy water.
Wring out any excess water and wipe the wood gently. Use an organic or mild, natural soap rather than any harsh cleaners that can damage the sheen of bamboo.
5. Keep Stains Out
If you notice a stain or liquid spilled on the bamboo, try to clean it right away to help reduce any chances the stain will set and become permanent.
6. Don't Use Right After Cleaning
Try to avoid using or sitting on the furniture right after it has been cleaned or when it is damp until it's dry as not to damage the sheen or finish.
7. Remove Mold/Fungus
Mold can develop on any natural wood or bamboo, this is easily cleaned with soapy water. Use a plastic pot scrubber or an old bristle brush to remove any signs of mold growth. Be sure to dry the area completely to avoid more fungus/mold growth in the future.
8. Cracks/Checks
If the bamboo has cracked naturally or due to weather exposure, extremely low humidity or just age, easily fix this by gently sanding the area with very fine sandpaper 220-240 grit. Then smooth some paste wax over the area to recondition the color and tone of the bamboo.
9. Touch-ups/Refinishing
If the bamboo finish is fading, peeling or has worn off due to weather exposure or just age, easily fix this by gently sanding the area with fine sandpaper 220-240 grit. Then spray or brush several thin coats with a quality, clear glossy polyurethane finish. Lightly sanding between coats with 220-240 grit sandpaper. Color Matching: It is natural for the tone of bamboo to become deeper with age. If color matching is required for the color and tone of the bamboo, try using an oil based wiping stain prior to applying the finish. Good stain color choices maybe Natural Oak, Honey Oak, Golden Oak or Light Maple stains to start with. Its a great idea to take a few good pictures with you to your home improvement store to help match your stain color.
Tip: If you see somewhere that needs touch-up, try to do it right away.
This keeps your bamboo always beautiful and you will never have a large job of refinishing.
It's also nice to make and keep yourself a "Touch-up Kit" this makes touch-up work a breeze when required.
Note: we use no color stains, only natural bamboo with clear top coats.