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TEAM 7 Furniture Care Guide: How to Clean, Protect, and Maintain Your Natural Solid Wood Furniture
- Daniel
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Congratulations on owning a piece of TEAM 7 furniture.
More than just beautiful solid wood furniture, every TEAM 7 piece is handcrafted in Austria from sustainably sourced hardwoods and finished with natural oils that preserve the wood's authentic beauty. Unlike synthetic finishes, these natural surfaces remain open-pored, breathable, and can be refreshed over time, allowing your furniture to develop character for generations.
The best part? Caring for your TEAM 7 furniture is simpler than you might think. With just a few easy maintenance habits and the right care products, you can keep your solid wood dining table, chairs, or cabinetry looking beautiful for decades.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from everyday cleaning and recommended care products to refreshing the natural oil finish and repairing minor scratches, so you can enjoy your TEAM 7 furniture for a lifetime.
Why TEAM 7 Furniture Is Different
Unlike many furniture manufacturers that seal wood beneath synthetic lacquer, TEAM 7 protects every piece with its signature natural oil finish. This preserves the authentic beauty and feel of the wood while making it easy to maintain for generations.
100% Solid Wood – Crafted from sustainably sourced natural hardwoods.
Natural Oil Finish – Protected with natural oils instead of synthetic lacquer.
Open-Pored & Breathable – Allows the wood to breathe while preserving its natural beauty.
Humidity Regulating – Helps maintain a healthier indoor environment.
Warm, Natural Feel – A silky matte finish that showcases the authentic texture of real wood.
Anti-Static Surface – Naturally reduces the attraction of household dust.
Naturally Antibacterial – Supports a cleaner, healthier living space.
Easy to Refresh & Repair – Minor scratches and dents can often be restored with simple maintenance.
Built for Generations – Designed to age beautifully and last a lifetime.
Understanding Your TEAM 7 Natural Oil Finish
One of the defining features of TEAM 7 furniture is its natural oil finish.
Unlike synthetic lacquer, which creates a coating on top of the wood, TEAM 7's natural oil penetrates deep into the timber, becoming part of the wood itself. This preserves the wood's authentic texture, keeps the pores open and breathable, and allows the surface to be refreshed and repaired throughout its lifetime.
TEAM 7 Natural Oil
Perfect for most wood species, TEAM 7 Natural Oil enhances the wood's rich, natural color while creating a silky matte finish. Its carefully balanced blend of natural oils and waxes provides deep protection, making it ideal for frequently used surfaces such as a solid wood dining table.
TEAM 7 Natural White Oil
Designed for lighter wood species, TEAM 7 Natural White Oil contains special white pigments that help preserve the wood's fresh, bright appearance while delivering the same deep protection and breathable finish as the standard Natural Oil.
Did You Know? TEAM 7 Natural Oils are made from natural vegetable oils and waxes, meet the strict requirements of the Austrian Ecolabel, and are certified safe for children's toys under EN 71-3, reflecting TEAM 7's commitment to sustainability, quality, and healthy living.
Everyday Care
One of the biggest misconceptions about solid wood furniture is that it requires constant maintenance.
But one of the best things about owning TEAM 7 furniture is that everyday care takes less than a minute. A few simple habits are all it takes to preserve the natural beauty of your solid wood furniture for years to come.
Best Practices
Dust with a dry cotton cloth to remove dust and crumbs.
Use a slightly damp cotton cloth for light cleaning when needed.
Always wipe the surface dry immediately to prevent moisture from remaining on the wood.
Clean in the direction of the wood grain for the best results.
Wipe up spills promptly and never allow standing water to remain on the surface.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
To protect the natural oil finish, avoid using:
Microfiber cloths
Steam cleaners
Degreasing household cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners
Standing water on the surface
These products can damage or dry out the natural oil finish over time and are specifically discouraged by TEAM 7.
Recommended TEAM 7 Care Products
To keep your TEAM 7 furniture looking its best, we recommend using the official care products developed specifically for its natural oil finishes. Whether you're performing routine maintenance or refreshing a well-loved solid wood dining table, these products help protect the wood while preserving its natural beauty for years to come.
TEAM 7 Natural Oil
Ideal for furniture finished with natural oil, this product nourishes the wood, restores its silky matte appearance, and provides long-lasting protection for frequently used surfaces.
TEAM 7 Natural White Oil
Specially formulated for white-oiled wood species, this oil helps maintain the timber's lighter appearance while delivering the same deep nourishment and breathable protection as the standard Natural Oil.
Cleaning Pad
Designed to safely remove stubborn dirt, rubber marks, and everyday stains without damaging the natural oil finish. It's the recommended solution for deeper cleaning when a cotton cloth alone isn't enough.
Cotton Cloth
An essential part of the TEAM 7 care routine. Perfect for everyday dusting, applying Natural Oil, and polishing surfaces after maintenance for a smooth, even finish.
Stainless Steel Brush
Used exclusively on structured and brushed TEAM 7 table surfaces, this brush restores the wood's original texture after repairing minor scratches or refinishing the surface.
Caring for Different Areas of Your Home
Not every piece of solid wood furniture experiences the same level of daily use. A solid wood dining table, for example, is exposed to meals, spills, and constant activity, while bedroom furniture typically requires much less maintenance. Understanding how each piece is used will help you care for it appropriately and keep it looking beautiful for decades.
Dining Tables
A dining table is often the heart of the home and naturally receives the most wear.
Daily use, hot dishes, moisture, and frequent cleaning gradually reduce the protective layer of natural oil. Fortunately, refreshing the surface is straightforward.
To keep your TEAM 7 dining table looking its best:
Wipe spills promptly.
Dust regularly using a soft cotton cloth.
Avoid leaving standing water on the surface.
Refresh the natural oil finish approximately once a year, or sooner if the table is heavily used.
With regular care, your solid wood dining table will continue to develop a rich patina while maintaining the warmth and character that makes natural wood so special.
Kitchen Worktops
Kitchen worktops experience frequent contact with water, food preparation, and daily cleaning.
Because of this, they benefit from annual maintenance with TEAM 7 Natural Oil to help maintain their protective finish.
Always wipe away moisture after cleaning and avoid allowing liquids to remain on the surface for extended periods.
TEAM 7 Mylon Chair
Dining Chairs
Dining chairs experience much less surface wear than tables.
Under normal household use, refreshing the finish approximately every three years is generally sufficient, although heavily used chairs may benefit from more frequent maintenance.
Living Room Furniture
Coffee tables, sideboards, TV units, shelving, and occasional tables typically require less frequent maintenance.
Depending on usage, these pieces generally benefit from refreshing every five years or as needed.
Bedroom Furniture
Beds, wardrobes, dressers, and bedside tables usually receive the least daily wear.
Regular dusting and occasional maintenance are typically all that's required to preserve their natural beauty.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
While every home is different, TEAM 7 recommends the following maintenance intervals for natural oil finished furniture.
Furniture | Recommended Maintenance |
Dining tables | Every 1 year |
Kitchen worktops | Every 1 year |
Dining chairs | Every 3 years |
Kitchen fronts | Every 3 years |
Living room furniture | Every 5 years |
Bedroom furniture | Every 5 years |
Furniture that receives particularly heavy use may benefit from more frequent care.
When Your Furniture Needs More Than Everyday Cleaning
Over time, every piece of solid wood furniture will develop signs of everyday living. This is part of its character and one of the reasons genuine wood becomes even more beautiful with age.
The good news is that TEAM 7 furniture is designed to be maintained and restored, allowing many everyday marks to be repaired rather than permanently hidden.
Refreshing the Surface
If your furniture begins to look dry or loses some of its original richness, it may simply be time to refresh the natural oil finish.
Apply a thin layer of TEAM 7 Natural Oil (or Natural White Oil for white-oiled surfaces) using a cotton cloth.
Allow the oil to penetrate for no more than 10 minutes, then thoroughly polish away any excess with a clean cotton cloth.
Using too much oil or leaving it on the surface for too long can cause the finish to become sticky.
Removing Stubborn Dirt
Occasionally, surfaces may develop stubborn marks such as rubber scuffs, food residue, or heavier dirt.
For these situations:
Apply TEAM 7 Natural Oil to the cleaning pad.
Work gently in the direction of the wood grain.
Treat as large an area as possible to maintain a consistent appearance.
Leave the oil for no longer than 10 minutes.
Buff thoroughly using a dry cotton cloth.
This restores the surface while maintaining the wood's natural finish.
Repairing Small Dents
One of the unique advantages of natural wood is that many dents can be repaired without replacing the finish.
If you notice a small dent:
Lightly dampen the affected area.
Place a damp cloth over the dent.
Carefully apply a warm iron to the cloth, never directly onto the wood.
The moisture and heat help the compressed wood fibres expand back toward their original shape.
Once completely dry, refresh the area with TEAM 7 Natural Oil and polish the surface.
In many cases, the dent becomes significantly less noticeable or disappears entirely.
Repairing Minor Scratches
Small scratches are a normal part of everyday life, especially on a frequently used solid wood dining table.
Fortunately, most minor scratches can be repaired.
The general process includes:
Lightly sanding the affected area in the direction of the grain.
Progressively refining the surface using finer sandpaper.
Restoring the original brushed texture where required.
Removing sanding dust.
Applying fresh TEAM 7 Natural Oil.
Buffing the surface until smooth and even.
Unlike synthetic finishes, the repair blends naturally into the surrounding wood, helping preserve the furniture's original beauty.
Natural Changes You Should Expect
One of the pleasures of owning handcrafted solid wood furniture is watching it mature over time.
Wood is a living material, and every piece continues to respond to its environment long after it leaves the workshop.
These natural changes are completely normal.
Color Changes
Exposure to natural daylight gradually deepens or lightens certain timber species. Rather than being considered wear, this gentle color evolution adds depth and individuality to each piece.
Small Cracks
Occasionally, you may notice fine surface cracks developing. This is a natural characteristic of genuine solid wood and not a manufacturing defect.
As the seasons change, wood expands and contracts in response to humidity, and small cracks may appear over time. TEAM 7 explains that these natural variations are part of the beauty of real wood and can be sealed if necessary to help protect against moisture and dirt.
Grain and Texture Variations
Every tree grows differently. No two boards are identical, which means every TEAM 7 piece is genuinely one of a kind.
The natural knots, grain direction, and color variations are not imperfections, they are part of what makes handcrafted furniture so unique.
Creating the Ideal Environment for TEAM 7 Furniture
Because wood naturally responds to changes in humidity, maintaining a stable indoor environment helps preserve both the beauty and structural integrity of your furniture.
TEAM 7 recommends:
Relative humidity: 40% to 60%
Room temperature: 18°C to 23°C
If humidity remains too low for extended periods, the wood may shrink, leading to small cracks or rougher surfaces.
If humidity remains too high, the wood may expand, potentially causing slight movement or changes in joints.
These seasonal changes are part of working with natural materials, but maintaining a comfortable indoor climate helps minimise them while creating a healthier home for both people and furniture.
Keep Your TEAM 7 Furniture Beautiful for Generations
With just a few simple care habits and the right maintenance products, your TEAM 7 furniture will continue to develop character and beauty for decades to come. From everyday cleaning to refreshing the natural oil finish, caring for handcrafted solid wood furniture is easier than many people expect.
If you have any questions about maintaining your furniture or would like to learn more about the official TEAM 7 care products, our team is always happy to help.
We also invite you to visit the ARTEZIA TEAM 7 Flagship Showroom in San Francisco, where you can experience the craftsmanship, warmth, and timeless beauty of TEAM 7 firsthand. Explore our newest arrivals, including the stunning TEAM 7 echt.zeit solid wood dining table and the elegant Elliot lounge chair, while discovering why handcrafted European furniture is designed to be enjoyed for generations.
Visit ARTEZIA today and let our design consultants help you care for your current TEAM 7 furniture or find your next timeless piece.
Frequently Asked Questions About TEAM 7 Furniture Care
Whether you've just welcomed your first TEAM 7 piece into your home or have enjoyed your furniture for years, it's natural to have questions about caring for solid wood. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive at ARTEZIA.
How often should I oil my TEAM 7 furniture?
This depends on how frequently the furniture is used. As a general guide:
Dining tables: Every year
Kitchen worktops: Every year
Dining chairs and kitchen fronts: Every 3 years
Living room furniture: Every 5 years
Bedroom furniture: Every 5 years
If your furniture receives heavy daily use, you may wish to refresh it sooner.
Can I use regular furniture polish?
We do not recommend it. TEAM 7 furniture is finished with natural oils, not synthetic lacquer. Conventional furniture polishes, silicone sprays, or waxes can interfere with the natural finish and are unnecessary. For the best results, always use genuine TEAM 7 care products specifically designed for natural oil surfaces.
Can I use a microfiber cloth?
No. Although microfiber cloths are commonly used on other furniture, TEAM 7 specifically recommends avoiding microfiber cloths because they can roughen the natural oil finish overtime. Instead, use a soft cotton cloth for both everyday cleaning and maintenance.
What should I do if I spill water, wine, or coffee?
Wipe the spill away as soon as possible using a soft cotton cloth. Afterwards, dry the surface thoroughly to ensure no standing moisture remains. Thanks to the protective natural oil finish, occasional spills are not normally a problem when cleaned promptly.
Can scratches really be repaired?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of TEAM 7's natural oil finish is that many everyday scratches can be repaired. Minor scratches can often be sanded, re-oiled, and polished, allowing the repair to blend naturally into the surrounding timber rather than requiring the entire surface to be refinished.
Why has my furniture changed color?
Natural wood changes over time. Exposure to daylight and normal ageing gradually deepen or soften the color of many timber species. This is one of the beautiful characteristics of genuine solid wood and gives every piece its own unique personality.
Is it normal to see small cracks?
Yes. Solid wood naturally expands and contracts as indoor humidity changes throughout the year. Small cracks or slight movement are normal characteristics of genuine wood and are not considered manufacturing defects. If desired, small cracks can be sealed using the appropriate TEAM 7 repair products to help prevent dirt or moisture from entering the wood.
Can I place hot dishes directly on my dining table?
We recommend using trivets or heat-resistant mats whenever placing hot cookware on your solid wood dining table. While the natural oil finish provides excellent everyday protection, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can damage any timber surface.
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