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Are you confused by all of the wood surfaces available for floors and furniture? Cleaning and taking care of those surfaces can be a confusing task. Just as there are dozens of wood types, there seems to be an equal number of polishes to match. By learning to recognize wood types and care methods, you will be able to provide an important service to your clients.

Wood can be categorized based on different criteria. The first criterion is the hardness or softness of a particular wood. Hardwoods include walnut, mahogany, maple, cherry, rosewood, oak, and teak. Softwoods consist of fir, pine, redwood, spruce, and cedar.

Next, consider the function of the wood surface. Paneling, moldings, and cabinets are going to be treated differently than a desktop, board room table, or coffee table. Most vertical woods surfaces, such as paneling, do not get as dirty as a horizontal surface like a desktop where day-to-day soil and skin oils accumulate.

Don't forget what may appear to be wood may actually be a synthetic surface. Sometimes laminates are made to look like wood but do not have the same maintenance requirements. Wiping with a mild cleaning solution may be all that is needed to keep these surfaces looking good. There are also cleaners designed for synthetic surfaces, which both clean the surface and provide a luster similar to that of a polish.

Once the wood is identified, you have the question of what product to use. Common aerosol furniture polishes that we are all familiar with are not appropriate for all applications. There are also liquid and paste polishes. There are oil- and water-based polishes. Silicones, beeswax, carnauba, walnut oil, lemon oil, mineral oil, tung oil, Perilla oil, and linseed oil are all possible product choices that have been used for years.

How do you make sense of all this? The following are some general tips to help you choose the right polish for your needs:

• What are the manufacturer's maintenance requirements? You must also be aware of maintenance requirements for some high-end furnishings. Since aerosol polish can damage varnish and lacquer, you may want to check with the homeowner or facilities manager to see if they want you to use a specific product. Wood is an expensive surface, so you do not want to be liable for any damage you may cause.
  
   
• How easy is a product to apply? Aerosols are easiest to apply, but are most damaging to the wood. They contain silicone oils and other contaminants that can damage lacquers and varnishes. Paste waxes, on the other hand, are very labor intensive, but are most beneficial to the wood.
  
   
• How long does the application process take? In the cleaning industry, time is money, so this must be considered. Liquids and pastes require more time and effort, but in the long run, they might save you money if you don't have to polish as often. Items like chair legs and moldings may benefit from a liquid or paste wax, as they infrequently come into contact with contaminants. Highly-used furnishings that get dirty quickly, such as tables and desks, lend themselves to aerosols where frequent cleaning is required.
  
   
• How do you deal with polish buildup? If you find a buildup of polish, take some tea bags and boiling water, cool the mixture, and use the resulting tea to clean the surface of the wood. The tannins in the tea are effective in removing wax buildup. There are other commercial options available to accomplish this as well. The longer this task is delayed, the more difficult it becomes.
  
   
• Does the product leave a residue? Some products, such as linseed oil and walnut oil, leave a residue that is difficult to remove, so should generally be avoided. Non-dyeing oil polishes, such as lemon oil, are good for the wood, but the resulting oily finish can result in the wood collecting dirt and dust more easily. Also beware of using an oil polish on a conference room table or desk top, as the oil can stain any clothing that comes in contact with it. Some cleaning companies tell horror stories of having to dry clean shirts and suits of executives, due to oils stains from a freshly-oiled conference room table. Good intentions can be expensive so be sure to match a product with its intended use.

Despite all of the choices available, keeping wood surfaces looking good provides your customers with that “wow” factor that only fine wood furnishings can provide. The warmth and elegance of properly maintained wood is like no other, and by mastering its care, you will set yourself apart from your competition.

Reprinted with permission from The Janitorial Store.