The list of products available in stores today that can live without requiring some sort of maintenance or upkeep over the lifetime of the product are limited to the extreme. Consider a car that looks so shiny and new off the dealership lot; allow a full year to pass without the occasional wash job and the even more rarely applied coat of wax, and the chances that flashy new ride will still look up to par are somewhere between slim and none. Many of the same sentiments can be shared about home appliances like the refrigerator, microwave and stove. Completely inviting out of the appliance box, these same appliances don’t encourage the same level of protection from food poisoning without the occasional close encounter with kitchen cleaning supplies. And don’t even consider the cleanliness of a kitchen sink.

Simply put, the point is this: Items counted upon in our daily lives require some level of attention to stay in solid working order and appearance. Failing to take basic care and cleaning steps can adversely impact the lifespan of the products that are depended on to last for extended periods of time. Those same rules of the road definitely apply where Amish furniture care is concerned, not to mention the general care steps needed by essentially every piece of furniture in the home.

It’s not a matter of intentional abuse; instead, furniture is exposed to the rigors of daily life and that can negatively affect the appearance and durability of the furniture pieces in question. Consider the harmful impact of some of the most common household products that seem to be drawn to furniture: nail polish remover, perfume, hair spray, show polish, soft drinks, ketchup and coffee – each with the ability to leave lasting stains and blemishes on otherwise pristine furniture.

The Amish craftsmen constructing their famed products after extensive training by their peers utilize one of the most durable finishes on their wood products. These finishes resist moisture and damage from virtually all household foods, fluids and chemicals – providing protection for decades. However, these varnishes require a 30-day period of curing at a minimum of 70-degree temperatures before the process is complete – so it’s important to treat new Amish furniture with extra care upon the initial arrival in the home. Even after that period, extra care should be taken around extremely hot and extremely cold objects.

Typically speaking, a soft and damp cloth wiped across the surface of the furniture is sufficient to maintain excellent condition of the piece and its finish. When it comes to using a cleaning solution, a very mild soap-and-water combination can be used to wipe the surface, followed by a non-abrasive drying towel. If desired, a high quality furniture polish many be occasionally applied with a soft cloth, carefully following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

By taking a handful of recommended maintenance and product care steps, it’s possible to ensure Amish furniture – available at places like Jasen’s Fine Furniture in Roseville, Michigan — acclaimed for durability is in a great condition that the next generation of family members will be proud to inherit and bring into their homes someday.

Jasen’s Fine Furniture is located at 27603 Gratiot; call the store at (586) 777-1717 to learn more about the store’s large selection of Amish furniture on display in the two-story showroom.