ClearLake Furniture FAQ

Wood MD

Q: I used a wood cleaner on my ClearLake dining table and the finish got cloudy. Is it ruined?
A. No. Go back and reclean the surface using a mild soap, diluted with water. In the future, avoid cleaners that are not formulated to fine hardwoods. Not all woods and finishes are alike! Regular use of such products will destroy the finish of your fine pieces. We sell a polish specifically for our wood furniture. You only need to use it once or twice a year, so the 8-ounce bottle will last for years…just like your ClearLake furniture! Call us at 1.800.758.8767 or e-mail info@clearlakefurniture.com to find out how to get a bottle of this specially formulated wood polish.

Q: I've got a ring from a hot coffee cup on my cherry table. Can it be fixed?
A. Yes. What you're probably seeing is a white ring created by moisture under the finish from the hot coffee cup. Denatured alcohol, which can be purchased from your local hardware store, can be used to draw this moisture out of the finish. First, test a small area that doesn't show. Dampen a clean rag with the alcohol, and go over the affected area lightly, letting the alcohol evaporate between applications. Take your time as this may take 20 minutes. This method for removing moisture marks could remove the finish from some antiques and must be tested first.

IMPORTANT:
• Please bear in mind that this method works on ClearLake Furniture’s finish. For any other furniture, be sure to do a test first!
• ClearLake Furniture is not responsible for damages caused to your furniture.

Q: Can I prevent my cherry furniture from getting any darker?
A. Cherry, which resembles the color of maple in its raw form, is highly sensitive to light, which causes it to darken over time. You can't prevent this natural aging but you can slow the process by avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.