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If you have any type of wood veneer furniture, whether it be a desk or a bookcase, it’s important to know how to best clean and maintain it. Wood veneer consists of natural wood, which requires a detailed cleaning process to ensure that the wood is not damaged. 

There are some general cleaning guidelines for wood veneer furniture, but please note that your product could have other guidelines, so you should always consult the manufacturer of the product to ensure you are using the proper cleaning method for your furniture. 

General Cleaning

To clean your wood veneer surface, use a soft, lint-free cloth. Keep the cloth dry if you are dusting or slightly dampen the cloth with mild soap and water for cleaning. Be sure to wipe the veneer dry after using the damp cloth. It’s also important to wipe with the wood grain—that is, be sure to work in the same direction as the pattern in the wood.

Treating Stains

If your wood veneer furniture becomes stained, don’t treat it with any harsh chemicals. This can irreparably damage the finish. It is best to consult the manufacturer of your product.

Things to Avoid

It is best not to use aerosol cleaners or polishes on wood veneer surfaces. You should avoid any products that are oil-based or contain wax. 

For everyday maintenance, remember that wood veneer is softer than laminate and can more easily scratch or stain. A protective surface (coasters, desk pads, glass, etc.)—especially on a desk or table—ensures that your furniture stays beautiful for years while still showcasing the rich, natural grain of the wood veneer.

Furniture Maintenance

More From NBF

How to Clean Area Rugs

How to Clean Area Rugs

Caring for area rugs can be just as time-consuming as caring for wall-to-wall carpeting, and different types of rugs require different cleaning methods. If your area rugs look like they need a good cleaning, take our tips for caring for each fiber and weave type.

 

Pile rugs are the most common residential rugs, though they may be less common in a commercial setting. To clean and maintain this type of area rug, vacuum regularly on at least a weekly basis to remove dirt and debris that can and will get caught in the fibers. Spills can be blotted with a paper towel and cleaner specifically made for carpeting. We also recommend having your pile rug professionally cleaned about once per year to ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

Flat weave rugs are more commonly used in offices because they are low maintenance and don’t hold as much dirt as pile rugs. This type of rug can be simply swept or shaken out once every week or so, though vacuuming is certainly a good idea. Blot or wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.

Natural fiber rugs such as jute and sisal are made of plant-based materials and can be damaged if cleaned with too much water. Weekly vacuuming will pick up any loose dirt and debris, but spills and stains should be cleaned using a cleaner specially formulated for natural fiber rugs.

Regardless of what type of area rug you have in your office, regular maintenance will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Always check the tag and consider manufacturer-recommended cleaning instructions first.

 

How to Clean Your Workstation

We all get busy at the office, so it can be easy to let messes build up in our workspaces over time. A cluttered and dirty desk can negatively affect productivity and employee happiness, so do yourself a favor and take our tips for cleaning your workspace and keeping it clean for good.

Throw Away What You Don't Need

For the packrats, this can be a tough concept to accept and implement. But if you have paperwork and old stacks of used Post-its laying around, do yourself a favor and throw them out. Those stacks upon stacks of stuff add more mess to your space, and that's the last thing you need when trying to work.

Get Rid of Clutter

Speaking of clutter, get rid of it! You should eliminate the trash at your desk and clear any unnecessary office supplies and materials you aren't using regularly. Keeping a clear desk surface will help you keep a clear mind.

Designate a Space for Personal Items

Although you should keep your desk as clear as possible, it's also important to keep personal items such as family photos nearby as a source of inspiration. We recommend limiting personal items to 1 or 2 designated areas at your workstation, depending on how large your desk is. At NBF, every employee is equipped with an inward-facing bookshelf perfect for displaying personal items while maintaining a clean look.

Disinfect and Sanitize

Now comes the actual cleaning part. There are all kinds of disinfecting agents that effectively help stop and prevent the spread of germs. Try using disinfecting wipes across your workstation once a week if you can. It doesn’t take long, and it can make a huge difference in stopping the spread of germs that can get you sick. Don’t forget to clean out your desk drawers and keyboard too!

Save Meals for the Breakroom

Although it may be tempting to snack away at your desk, crumbs and drinks can be easily spilled over important files and equipment. Keep mess to a minimum by only eating in your company's breakroom. While coffee and water are a must-have for many to keep at their workspace, just be careful to keep drinks away from electronics and paperwork.

Stop Mess Before It Starts

The best way to keep a clean and organized workspace is to not let it get messy in the first place. Think that's easier said than done? The best way to accomplish this is by making cleaning and organizing part of your everyday routine. Organize the important paperwork and throw away the things you don't need every single day. You don't need to wipe down and sanitize your desk on a daily basis, but try doing so once a week or even once every other week until you can make the action a habit.

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