Care, maintenance & cleaning

At EKTA, our products are all made with love for the materials and their natural characteristics and interaction. We love the scent of oak and leather, we love the feel and texture of the materials, and we really love how they age with beauty and patina. We appreciate that the materials aren't flawless but show small, natural traces on the hides and visible growth rings on the oak.

We make design that loves growing old. Design that lasts - not only one season but for decades if properly cared for.

Below you will find a guide on how to maintain the leather, oak, and steel.

Please take good care of your products.

EKTA Living-Rack6Dot-Scala Stool-Hanging Baskets-Napkin

Leather

Leather is a natural material, and therefore it is perfectly natural that leather is marked by events that affected the animal during its lifetime. Genuine high-quality leather will always have small characteristics as opposed to artificial leather (plastic), which has a regular structure.

As a natural material, leather requires looking after. If you care for the leather in the right way, it will become even more beautiful over time.

Only vacuum clean with a soft brush. Never use soap or water otherwise the velvety look and feel will disappear. Do not apply leather grease or soak the leather. Avoid any chemical products, such as saddle soap, other leather cleaners or household products. Protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and sharp objects.

If cleaning is necessary use boiled water with natural soap shavings of good quality.

If cleaning is necessary use boiled water with natural soap shavings of good quality.

Soap Treated Oak

Soap treated surfaces have a similar appearance and touch as untreated wood. Because of the light surface treatment, soap treated surfaces are easier to maintain.

Soap treated oak age very beautifully and develop a natural patina over time.

If you care for the oak, the surface will grow more resistant to dirt, by being treated through everyday use and trough washing in natural soap flakes.

Daily cleaning

Use a clean dry soft cloth. For cleaning, use a well-wrung cloth with lukewarm water. Dirt and spots of oils should be removed with a light solution of soapy water. Use 1/4 DL soap flakes to 1 L of warm water.

After the spots have been removed the entire wooden surface must be covered in the soapy solution and afterward dried off with the well-wrung cloth.

Maintenance

Twice per year, soap treated oak surfaces should be washed with a soap solution as described above. Apply the soapy solution to all surfaces. Distribute the soap solution evenly, but be careful not to soak the oak. Dry of with a soft cloth wrung well.

Caution: Applying the soap solution periodically will enhance the dirt-resistance of the surface. However, overuse of soap can destroy the wood fibers and natural colour of the wood. Especially for oak, which is rich in tanning acids, overuse of soap can cause the surface to become brown and dull.

Never use sulfates, brown soap, linseed oil or cleaning materials which contain iron. Oak surfaces should be protected from steel and iron objects, as the metal may react with the wood and leave permanent black spots.

Oil Treated Oak

Oil treated oak surfaces are very resistant to dirt and water, small scratches and marks are not easily seen. The oil is absorbed into the oak and creates a surface that is smooth with a silky touch.

Daily cleaning

Use a clean, dry cloth. If spots cannot be removed with a dry cloth, use a clean cloth soaked in clean water and wrung well. Firmly wipe the surface in the direction of the grain. If necessary, soap flakes can be added to the water (¼ DL soap flakes to 5 liters), or use a clear oil that is specifically designated for oiled surfaces. After washing and removal of spots, new oil must be applied to the entire surface, following the maintenance instructions.

Caution: Never use chemicals, scouring pads, steel wool, or the like, as this will damage the surface.

Maintenance

Oil treated surfaces should be maintained with a thin layer of new oil. Application of new oil should only be done when necessary, be careful not to over-treat. If the wooden surface looks dry, faded or is spotted, an oil product should be applied.

Application of oil 1-2 times a year is usually sufficient to maintain the color and glow of the oak.

Before applying oil, the surface must be cleaned with a soft cloth that has been well wrung in lukewarm water. If the wood grains ”raise”, lightly sand them with a 240-grain sanding paper. After evenly distributing the oil to the entire wooden surface, wipe the oil off with a clean, dry cloth in the direction of the wood grain, and let the surface dry completely.

Caution: Never use linseed oil for any oak surface maintenance. Oil soaked cloths are flammable and should be disposed of responsibly.

EKTA Living-Rack 6 Dot-Hanging Basket-Table Basket-Scala Stool-Napkin

Caution: Never use linseed oil for any oak surface maintenance. Oil soaked cloths are flammable and should be disposed of responsibly.

Smoked Oak

The oak is smoked in ammonia steam. After sanding, the smoked oak is then treated with a clear oil. Smoked oak should therefore be treated like oil treated oak. (See instructions above)

Painted Oak

Painted surfaces are very resistant to dirt and water and require little maintenance compared to untreated surfaces. Painted surfaces should not be soaked in water or other liquids though since it can cause stains.

Maintenance and cleaning

Wipe with a clean dry cloth or a cloth wrung out in clean water. Wipe off immediately with a clean dry cloth. Wipe soiled surfaces with a cloth wrung out in soap solution or water and washing-up liquid. Wipe off immediately with a clean dry cloth.

Powder-Coated Steel

Steel surfaces are very resistant to dirt as well as liquids. However, water can make stains as well as cause damaged lacquered steel surfaces to rust.

Maintenance and cleaning

Wipe with a cloth wrung out in water and dishwashing liquid. Wipe off immediately with a clean dry cloth.

Uyuni-Outdoor Lantern Combo 10 x 14.5 x 34cm