The beauty of oiled furniture lies in its living finish - one that evolves and develops character over time. 

Daily care is surprisingly straightforward, though it does require consistency. Start by keeping your furniture clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. 

Dust regularly, always working in the direction of the wood grain (a tip I learned the hard way after years of circular motions left subtle swirl marks on my first oiled table).

For weekly cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth - and when I say slightly, I truly mean it. Think of it as barely kissing the wood with moisture. 

I often tell my clients to wring the cloth out until you think it's dry enough, then wring it once more. Follow up immediately with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

Here's my tried-and-tested cleaning routine for oiled furniture:

• Morning dusting with a microfibre cloth (daily)
• Weekly gentle clean with a barely damp cloth
• Monthly inspection for wear and tear
• Seasonal deep cleaning and re-oiling assessment
• Annual maintenance oiling (or as needed based on wear)

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Without a doubt, proper oiling significantly extends the life of wooden furniture. The oil penetrates the wood fibres, providing protection from within rather than simply coating the surface. 

This internal protection helps prevent the wood from drying out and becoming brittle - rather like how moisturiser keeps our skin healthy.

In my experience, oiled furniture that's properly maintained can last generations. I have clients whose oiled oak dining tables have been in their families for over 50 years, looking better now than when they were first purchased. 

The key lies in consistent care and timely re-oiling.

After years of working with oiled furniture, I can confidently say that success lies in regular, gentle care rather than sporadic intensive treatments. Think of it as tending a garden - little and often yields the best results. 

The key to maintaining oiled wooden furniture is establishing a consistent care routine that becomes second nature, just like brushing your teeth or watering your plants.

Creating this maintenance rhythm might feel daunting at first, but I promise it becomes easier with time. Start with daily dusting using a microfibre cloth - it takes just minutes but makes a world of difference. Then, implement your weekly cleaning routine with that barely-damp cloth we discussed earlier. 

As you become more comfortable with these basics, add in those crucial seasonal deep cleans and maintenance oiling sessions. Remember, every piece of oiled wooden furniture you care for properly becomes an investment in your home's future.

Most importantly, don't let perfect be the enemy of good when it comes to maintaining your oiled wooden furniture. Even if you miss a day of dusting or delay your seasonal oiling by a few weeks, your furniture will forgive you. The beauty of oiled wood is its resilience - it's been used for centuries precisely because it can handle real life while still looking magnificent. 

Just return to your care routine when you can, and your furniture will continue to reward you with its natural beauty for years to come.