ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Trees process and retain a large volume of water in the growing process. At the time that it is harvested, wood can contain more than 50% water depending on species and tree age. Before the harvested timber is used in the manufacturing process, it undergoes a rigorous processing that consists in alternative drying and steaming techniques so that the moisture content is reduced to 6-8% relative mass, this being the optimal level for all mechanical and technological transformations that give purpose and shape and a new life to the wood boards. There are hundreds of hours spent by Silva artisans in crafting the furniture so that it can be enjoyed for hundreds of years.  

Wood is a natural material which will exhibit variations in color, grain patterns and streaks, knots and imperfections which cannot be foreseen or prevented. Features like “bird eye”, “fiddle back”, curly patterns or light speckles are expected and perfectly normal. It is the nature and beauty of wood to vary in appearance and characteristics for no two trees are identical therefore reasonable expectations are warranted. 

Wood and all wood made products are still be vulnerable to humidity and temperature conditions, because they are porous materials which respond to the environmental changes. If placed in a room with high temperature and/or humidity it will absorb water and expand or if the humidity is very low it will eliminate moisture and shrink.

It is recommended that environmental humidity conditions be controlled for maintaining the original look and functionality of the furniture.  The optimal room temperature range is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and with a relative humidity of 30 to 40 %. Wood furniture exposed to temperature and humidity conditions outside the above mentioned limits may develop seasonal cracks, “hairline” stress marks or other aging signs; these are not considered material, structural or manufacturing defects.

MAINTENANCE

Furniture should not be placed in front or too close to air-conditioning outlets, fire places, heaters or humidifiers. Direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays will fade colors, affect the luster, texture and smoothness of the finish. White finishes will yellow naturally over time but exposure to direct sunlight will accelerate this natural process. All wood essences will darken over the time along with the natural aging process and this is not considered to be a defect. Do not place items too hot or too cold on furniture and do not use any oil based cleaning products as they will leave a residue on the finish. Immediately wipe off any accidentally spilled liquid with a dry cloth.

Allow all surfaces to get proper ventilation and light exposure by rotating or changing the position of the accessories placed directly onto the furniture (such as lamps, diaper baskets, changing pads, etc.) Keep the furniture leveled so that doors and drawers can open freely without causing friction to adjacent components.

STORAGE

If you need to put your furniture in storage for any period of time, avoid placing it in damp basements or hot attics. Air flow around and under the furniture should be allowed therefore placement too close to walls is not recommended. Do not stack anything onto the furniture and do not cover it entirely.

CLEANING

We recommend using a damp cloth for cleaning Silva Furniture products, immediately followed by wiping with a dry cloth. Do not allow water to stay too much in contact with the finished surface as it will damage it. In general, furniture cleaning products are designed for oil or polyurethane finishes therefore not recommended for water-based finishes. Should you wish to use a common brand cleaning product designed for water-based finishes, make sure it does not contain alcohol, ammonia, acids or any other solvent based ingredients.
Oil based stains have a different textural effect and preserve the wood surface naturally porous yet still abide by the same general cleaning guidelines. During the initial acclimation period, fine color residue may form onto the wood surface. The beeswax sealant may fade out if excessive cleaning is performed during this period,  may need reapplication over time. It is recommended to exercise caution and general rules of common sense when caring for your Silva Furniture products. 

PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE INVESTMENT.

Baby and kids furniture will experience 80-90% of its lifetime stress during the first 2 years of usage. Because of their intended purpose and design, nursery furniture is likely superior in quality to comparable adult products nonetheless, it is recommended to be proactive in preventing damages or accidents which may result in irreversible changes to the appearance and/or functionality of your Silva furniture.

• Clean liquid spills immediately and do not allow them to stand on the surface for long period of times.
• When changing your baby onto the dresser, make sure to prevent friction with your jeans zippers or belt buckle or other sharp objects which may damage the edge of your dresser top.
• Do not drag objects across the furniture surface, just lift and drop them in the desired position.
• When changing your baby diapers try not to use sanitizer or sanitizer wipes while next to the furniture. These products contain solvent or alcohol based ingredients which will damage the finish if contact is made.
• If you use a diaper warmer or other accessories that contain liquids, periodically check to make sure these are not leaking or malfunctioning. Never place a humidifier on top of a furniture or wood product.
• Never clean drawers or other unfinished parts with a damp cloth, always use a dry cloth or vacuum brush.
• Consider using a plastic or cloth guard rail for your crib footboard to prevent damages caused by your child when he/she is teething.
• Read the manufacturer instructions before proceeding to converting your crib to day bed or other stages.