Care Instructions
Product Care Instructions
At Martelo and Mo, we build your beautiful furniture with longevity in mind!
We use high-quality hardwoods, traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail, so your furniture pieces will withstand the test of time.
Follow these simple steps to care for your wooden items, and we hope you pass them down to a lucky family member you like.
The nature of the hardwood
Wood is a natural material with different grain details, colours and finishes. Martelo and Mo's belief is always to honour the integrity of our materials, especially our timber.
Our products showcase the individual character, featuring variations in colour and texture, alongside 'blocking' and 'bow-tie joints', filling in natural imperfections with another piece of wood to allow for effective use of each timber piece rather than letting it be discarded.
Sunlight, UV Light & Heat
Wood will naturally shift slightly, especially in warm climates and environments where temperatures frequently change from hot to cold or vice versa. Make sure you carefully choose your piece's placement and keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid discolouration and intense heat sources like fireplaces and radiators to avoid dry wood spots and cracks.
We use Osmo wax-oil finish for our furniture and accessories, which is very strong and resistant to moderate heat.
To prolong the life of your Martelo and Mo furniture, we always recommend using coasters and placemats, especially if your piece may be exposed to frequent use. Hot pans can burn the surface of the wood, which is very difficult to repair, and warm mugs and plates degrade the protective layer of the finish faster.
Moisture & Humid Conditions
Humid conditions cause the wood grain to rise, making the surface coarse to the touch.
Please ensure to wipe dry any large spills as soon as possible so that water is never left on the surface of your wooden furniture, as this could cause wood to warp and split.
Treatment
We use hard wax Oil by Osmo in Matt, which is extremely tough and hardwearing. It is also water and dirt-resistant.
If you encounter any damage to your Martelo and Mo piece, don't hesitate to ask us for advice.
Cleaning
Wipe your timber piece with a soft dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and dirt.
Martelo and Mo recommend using Osmo Wash and Care or Osmo Spray Cleaner to clean your furniture and accessories. Please follow the instructions carefully, and always check any product before applying – when in doubt, a lightly damp cloth will do the trick!
Take care when placing any items with a rough underside, as they may scratch the surface. Avoid handling any liquids containing alcohol or harsh chemicals near your piece, as their damage is severe to reverse.
Any spills that could stain (coffee, tea, vinegar, wine etc.) should be wiped immediately with a lightly damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth. If this causes damage, we recommend you consult a specialist or contact us directly, as your furniture might need refinishing.
Please avoid using harsh cleaning liquids and rough sponges to clean the surface, as they may cause permanent scratches and damage.
If your item gets damaged
If your item gets damaged with stains or scratches, these can be removed by lightly sanding the area in the wood grain's direction using a sanding sponge or fine sandpaper. We recommend 180-grid sanding paper for Oak and Ash items and 240-grit for Walnut and Maple.
Clean away any dust thoroughly before refinishing using the oiling process steps below.
Refinishing
Depending on the usage, if you wish to refresh your piece, we recommend Osmo Maintenance Oil, which will revive dull or matt surfaces without sanding or renovation work.
However, if your piece requires re-oiling, here are some helpful steps you can take to revive your beautiful item back to its glory:
Oil application in 5 easy steps
- Ensure the surface is clean from dust and dirt.
- Stir the oil well before and during the application, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Apply a thin layer of oil-wax and work into the wood with a lint-free white cloth, buffing pad or a paintbrush in the direction of the wood grain.
- After covering the entire surface with the oil, remove any excess oil with a clean, lint-free white cloth or a buffing pad in the direction of the wood grain, and ensure you wipe away any drips.
- Allow 4-6 hours for the Osmo Oil to dry in a warm, well-ventilated room before the second coat. Repeat this process after the piece feels dry with 1-2 additional coats. For best results, always follow Osmo's application guidelines.
Caring for chopping boards
We treated your board with two coats of natural mineral oil.
Please wash your chopping board with a dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water. This board is not suitable for dishwashers. It is advisable that water never be left to stand on the surface as the uneven moisture release could cause wood to crack and warp. We also recommend pat drying your board after each wash.
Aftercare
The frequency of applying the oil depends on how often you use it and how quickly it will wear off. For example, if you notice a build-up of knife marks and the oil is washing away, that would be an excellent time to give it a light sand and re-apply the mineral oil.
Sanding
We recommend using 180-grid sanding paper to get rid of any marks. Sand your board until you see the knife marks going away.
Wipe any dust with a clean, dry cloth. Re-apply the mineral oil using a lint-free cloth or a sponge; make sure to cover all the surfaces.
Allow the oil to sink into the grain for a few minutes before removing excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
Your Martelo and Mo chopping board will be as good as new.