Care Guide
Your Heirloom Deserves Proper Care
Simple, practical steps to keep your Regalwood furniture beautiful for generations—crafted for Nepal's unique climate.
Nepal's extreme humidity swings — 80%+ in monsoon, below 30% in winter — require furniture with professional PU finishes rather than oil finishes.
The Regalwood Finish
Unlike furniture with simple oil or lacquer finishes, your Regalwood piece features a professional 2K Polyurethane (PU) finish—a premium, factory-applied coating that provides superior protection.
Superior Protection
Highly resistant to water, heat, and everyday wear. Won't yellow or crack over time like cheaper finishes. The scratch-resistant surface maintains its beauty with a professional matte or semi-gloss sheen that lasts.
What This Means For You
No re-oiling required—unlike oil-finished furniture. Easy to clean with just dusting and occasional wipe-downs. Durable enough to handle daily family use, and properly cared for, it lasts 30+ years.
How It's Made
Your furniture goes through a careful multi-step finishing process:
Sealing
Wood pores are filled and sealed
Staining
Rich color applied to enhance grain
PU Clear Coat
Multiple layers of protective polyurethane
Final Finish
Matte or semi-gloss topcoat
This professional process is why Regalwood furniture feels smooth, looks rich, and stays beautiful.
Caring for Wood in Nepal's Climate
Nepal's dramatic seasonal shifts—from monsoon humidity to dry winters—affect all wooden furniture. While your PU finish provides excellent protection, the wood underneath still responds to its environment.
Monsoon Season
Ashadh – Bhadra / June – SeptemberThe Challenge
Humidity can exceed 80-85% during peak monsoon. Even with protective finish, extreme moisture can cause wood swelling (drawers may stick temporarily), musty odors in enclosed cabinets, and potential mold growth in poorly ventilated spaces.
Daily Habits
Keep furniture away from open windows where rain spray can reach. Wipe any water immediately with a dry cloth. Ensure 10-15 cm gap between furniture and walls for air circulation.
Weekly During Monsoon
Open cabinet doors and drawers for 30 minutes to air out. Check for any musty smell (early warning sign). Wipe surfaces with a clean, completely dry cloth.
Budget-Friendly Humidity Control
Silica gel packets (Rs. 50-100): Place inside drawers and cabinets. Dry in sunlight every 2 weeks to reuse.
Camphor tablets (Rs. 30-50): Natural moisture absorber. Replace monthly.
Newspaper method: Roll newspapers loosely inside empty drawers—they absorb moisture. Replace when damp.
Charcoal bags: Small cloth pouches with charcoal pieces inside cabinets. Free if you cook with wood/charcoal!
Warning Signs: Visible mold (white/green fuzzy patches), strong musty odor that doesn't clear, drawers completely stuck (don't force them). Contact us immediately if you notice these signs.
Winter Season
Mangsir – Magh / November – FebruaryThe Challenge
Kathmandu Valley winters are surprisingly dry indoors, especially with room heaters. Low humidity (below 30%) can cause wood shrinking slightly (small gaps may appear at joints—this is normal), potential cracking if drying is rapid, and static electricity buildup.
Heater Placement (Critical)
NEVER place furniture within 1.5 meters of a heater or sigri. Avoid positioning in direct path of blower heater airflow. Gas bukharis need 2+ meters distance.
Adding Moisture to the Room
Water bowl method: Place 2-3 wide bowls of water in the room (not on furniture). Evaporation adds gentle humidity.
Wet towel method: Hang a damp towel in the room overnight.
Indoor plants: Money plants, ferns naturally release moisture.
Water tray near furniture: A shallow tray of water on the floor near large pieces helps.
Signs your room is too dry: Getting static shocks frequently, skin and lips very dry, small gaps appearing between wood panels.
Spring & Autumn
Chaitra-Baisakh & Ashwin-KartikThese transition months typically have the best humidity levels (40-60%). Perfect time for thorough cleaning, wax application (if desired), and inspecting for any issues from extreme seasons.
Humidity Quick Reference
| Season | Typical Indoor RH | Risk Level | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monsoon Peak (Shrawan-Bhadra) | 75-90% | High (moisture) | Ventilate, use silica/camphor |
| Late Monsoon (Ashwin) | 60-75% | Medium | Maintain airflow |
| Autumn (Kartik-Mangsir) | 45-60% | Low (ideal) | Good time for maintenance |
| Winter (Poush-Magh) | 25-40% | High (dryness) | Add moisture, avoid heaters |
| Spring (Falgun-Chaitra) | 40-55% | Low (ideal) | Deep clean, optional waxing |
| Pre-Monsoon (Baisakh-Jestha) | 50-70% | Medium | Prepare for monsoon |
Ideal Target: 40-55% relative humidity. Budget Tip: A simple hygrometer costs Rs. 300-800 at electronics shops (New Road, Putalisadak). Worth the investment.
Simple Cleaning That Works
Dusting
2-3 Times Per WeekThis is the most important thing you can do for your furniture.
What to Use
Best: Soft cotton cloth (old t-shirts work perfectly)
Good: Microfiber cloth (Rs. 100-150 at Bhat-Bhateni, Big Mart)
For carvings: Soft brush (old makeup brush or 1-inch paintbrush)
How to Dust
Fold your cotton cloth into a pad. Dust WITH the grain direction (follow the wood lines). For carved details, use soft brush first, then cloth. Flip cloth to clean side frequently. Shake cloth outside, don't reuse dirty side.
What NOT to Use
Wet cloth or water spray
Feather dusters (just move dust around)
Rough fabrics or scrub pads
Paper towels (too abrasive)
For Intricate Newari Carvings
The beautiful latticework and rosette medallions trap dust. Use soft paintbrush (1-2 inch) to reach into crevices. Follow with soft cloth on flat surfaces. Compressed air (Rs. 400-600 at computer shops) works well for deep carvings.
Cleaning
Monthly or As NeededYour PU-finished furniture is easy to clean, but Nepal's water quality means we need to be careful.
IMPORTANT: No Tap Water
Nepal's tap water contains minerals and sediments that can leave marks on finished wood. Never clean directly with tap water.
For Regular Cleaning
Slightly damp cloth using filtered/purified water only (RO water or bottled water). Wring cloth until it's barely moist—almost dry. Immediately follow with a completely dry cloth.
For Stubborn Marks
Mix 1 drop of mild dish soap in 1 cup of filtered water. Dampen cloth, wring very thoroughly. Clean only the affected spot. Wipe with clean damp cloth (filtered water) to remove soap. Dry immediately and completely.
What NOT to Use
Tap water directly
Soap water left to sit
Alcohol, nail polish remover, sanitizer
"All-purpose" household cleaners
Furniture polish sprays with silicone
Abrasive cleaners of any kind
Spills — Act Fast!
The PU finish is water-resistant, but prolonged moisture contact can still cause damage.
Immediate Action
Blot (don't wipe) with dry cloth immediately. Don't let liquid sit—every second counts. Dry the area completely. For sticky spills, use barely-damp cloth with drop of soap, then dry.
Common Spills
Water/tea/coffee: Blot immediately, dry thoroughly
Oil/grease: Blot, then barely-damp cloth with soap drop, dry
Alcohol: Blot fast—alcohol can damage finish if left
Ink: Blot, don't rub—may need professional help
Adding Extra Shine & Protection
Your PU finish doesn't require wax—it's already well protected. However, wax can add extra silky-smooth feel, additional layer against fingerprints, beautiful soft sheen, and minor scratch concealment. This is optional luxury maintenance, not required care.
What Wax to Use
Beeswax Polish
RecommendedNatural, safe, beautiful results on PU finish. Available at local apiaries (मौरी पालन), Ayurvedic/natural product shops, or online at Daraz.np. Simple DIY: Melt beeswax, mix with a little coconut oil, let cool to paste.
Furniture Paste Wax
RecommendedProducts like Johnson's Paste Wax, Briwax work well. Available at some hardware stores in Kathmandu. Silicone-free formulas are best.
Car Wax
CautionONLY use if carnauba-based (check label), NO silicone, NOT synthetic "paint sealant". When in doubt, stick to beeswax or furniture paste wax.
How to Apply Wax
1. Ensure surface is clean and dust-free
2. Apply thin coat
Small amount on cloth, rub in small circular motions, work WITH the grain. Less is more.
3. Let it set (15-30 minutes)
Surface will look slightly hazy
4. Buff to shine
Clean dry cloth, moderate pressure, follow grain until soft, even sheen
Wax Schedule
Display cabinets: Once a year. Dining tables: Every 6 months. Coffee tables, armrests: Every 3-4 months. Or simply: When you feel like pampering it.
Where You Put It Matters
Sunlight
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight on wood surfaces. Even with PU protection, UV rays can gradually change wood color, cause uneven fading if only part is exposed, and accelerate aging of the finish.
Solutions: Position furniture away from direct sun during peak hours (10am-4pm). Use sheer curtains or blinds. UV-blocking window film available (Rs. 1,500-3,000 per window).
Heat Sources
Rapid temperature changes cause wood to expand/contract quickly, which can stress joints and finish.
Electric room heater: minimum 1.5 meters
Gas bukhari / Sigri: minimum 2 meters
Kitchen area: separate room
AC vent: not in direct airflow
Airflow
Good air circulation prevents moisture buildup during monsoon, keeps temperature more consistent, and reduces dust settling.
Keep 10-15 cm gap between furniture back and wall. Don't push cabinets flush against exterior walls (condensation risk). Open cabinet doors periodically to air out.
Protecting Surfaces
Hot dishes: Always use trivets or heat pads
Glasses: Use coasters
Decorative items: Felt pads underneath
Moving Furniture: Always lift, never drag. Use felt pads under legs.
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
Water Rings & Marks
White rings/haze is usually moisture trapped ON the surface (not in the wood—your PU finish protects against that).
Try these: Wait 24 hours in dry conditions. Hair dryer on LOW heat, 20cm away, moving constantly. A light application of furniture wax can help blend the mark. If mark persists, contact us.
Minor Scratches
Surface scratches: Often just in the wax layer—furniture wax can help conceal.
Light scratches: Wax crayon or furniture touch-up pen in matching color (Rs. 100-300 at hardware stores). Deep scratches: Contact Regalwood for professional advice.
Sticky Drawers (Monsoon Issue)
Wood swells with humidity, even under PU finish. Don't force—you'll damage the joints.
Open windows, improve airflow, use dehumidifying methods. Try early morning when coolest. Prevention: Rub candle wax or bar soap on drawer runners.
Dull or Hazy Finish
Usually just dust and residue buildup. Clean with barely-damp cloth (filtered water), dry thoroughly, apply thin coat of wax, buff well.
Cloudy/milky appearance: Usually moisture-related. Improve room ventilation, let furniture "breathe" in good weather. If persistent, contact us.
Odor Inside Cabinets
Musty smell: Remove all contents, air out with doors open for a full day, place fresh silica gel or camphor inside, check for visible mold.
If you find mold: Mix equal parts white vinegar and filtered water. Dampen cloth, wipe affected area. Dry thoroughly, leave doors open 24-48 hours.
Loose Hardware
Check if screws have loosened. Tighten gently with appropriate screwdriver. Don't overtighten.
If problem persists, the screw hole may have worn. Contact us—easy fix for us, tricky DIY.
Your Year-Round Care Schedule
Dashain-Tihar Prep
Ashwin – Kartik / September – October
Deep dust all pieces, including carved details. Clean with barely-damp cloth, dry immediately. Inspect for any monsoon damage. Apply wax if surfaces look dull. Tighten any loose hardware. Set up felt pads under puja items.
Pre-Monsoon Prep
Jestha / May – June
Move furniture away from windows that will be open. Stock up on silica gel and camphor. Ensure 10-15cm gap between furniture and walls. Check that room ventilation is adequate. Apply wax for extra protection.
Post-Monsoon Checkup
Ashwin / Late September
Inspect all pieces for mold (especially backs, bottoms). Open all drawers and cabinets to air out. Test drawers for sticking—should improve as humidity drops. Replace any damp silica gel packets.
Winter Prep
Mangsir / November
Set up humidity solutions (water bowls, plants). Plan furniture placement away from heaters. Check felt pads under legs (replace if worn).
Annual Deep Care
Spring – Chaitra/Baisakh / March – April
Remove all items from/off furniture. Deep dust including all carved details. Clean entire surface (filtered water, dry immediately). Inspect all joints and hardware. Tighten loose screws. Polish brass hardware if desired. Apply wax to entire piece. Document any concerns for future reference.
Caring for Your Antique Brass Fittings
Your furniture features hand-forged brass handles and hinges.
Polishing (2-3 Times Per Year)
Natural Method (Recommended): Mix equal parts lemon juice and salt to make paste. Apply with soft cloth, rub gently. Wipe with clean damp cloth. Dry thoroughly and buff.
Alternative: Tomato ketchup works surprisingly well—apply, wait 5 minutes, wipe clean, dry, buff. Commercial Option: Brasso (available at hardware stores).
About Patina
Some customers prefer the darkened "antique" look (patina) that develops naturally. You don't need to polish to bright shine unless you prefer it. The aged look is authentic to the heritage aesthetic.