How to Clean Wood Furniture

Knowing how to clean wood furniture can keep it looking its best. Whether you own antiques or new pieces, here’s what you need to know.

Start by dusting it regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. This doesn’t take long and is an excellent way to stay on top of dirt, scuffs, and stains.

Dust It Regularly

If you want your wood furniture to look its best and last for a long time, it’s important to dust it regularly. Dusting helps to remove a buildup of dirt and debris that can cause the wood to fade.

Use a soft cloth to dust the surface of your furniture, using a lint-free or microfiber duster that will not scratch the wood. Avoid feather dusters because they aren’t as effective and sometimes have sharp quills that could damage the wood.

Clean wood tables, chairs, and cabinets regularly. Wipe down a damp cloth (non-scratching, preferably microfibre) with a mild cleanser and wipe it down the furniture’s surface.

If sticky spots or oils are causing problems on your wood furniture, mix a soft water and dishwashing soap solution and dip a soft cloth into the mixture. Wring out the fabric and wipe it down the surface of the wood, following the grain. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the wood as soon as possible.

Wash It Regularly

Despite its natural beauty, wood furniture must be properly cleaned and waxed regularly to keep it looking as good as new. Cleaning wood can also help it resist mold and mildew, which can eat away at the finish.

When dusting wood, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. This type of cloth is especially effective at removing tiny particles that can damage or scratch your furniture’s finish, reports Microfiber Wholesale.

After dusting your wood furniture, clean it with a small amount of dish soap and water on a soft cloth, advises Home Advisor. Apply the solution gently, circularly, and remove it from the furniture with a dry cloth.

Spills, pet messes, and baby spit-up should be wiped away immediately to prevent stains from setting in. If you have a sticky spot, try using toothpaste to remove it, suggests Keen Clean.

Spot-Clean It

Over time, wood furniture can accumulate a build-up of grime that cannot be removed with regular dusting. Therefore, you may consider a few spot-cleaning methods for your pieces.

According to Real Simple, one of the easiest and safest ways to clean your wood furniture is by using a microfiber cloth. A microfiber cloth has soft, split fibers that suck up dirt and dust.

This type of cleaning can help you stay on top of your wooden items’ dusty messes, explains Microfiber Wholesale. Simply dampen a microfiber cloth in a small amount of water and use it to wipe down your wood pieces.

Another effective way to spot-clean your wood furniture is using a little dish soap mixed with water. This is an excellent solution for stubborn water stains that won’t come off your wood surfaces quickly.

Polish It Regularly

Polishing your furniture is a great way to keep it looking its best. It cleans the wood, conceals minor scratches, makes it shine again, offers protection from future scratches, and can add a fresh scent to your space.

Aside from polishing, you can also treat the wood with oil and wax. This prevents moisture from soaking into the wood and keeps dust from accumulating in its grain.

The key is to be gentle and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. For example, you shouldn’t use commercial spray cleaners or aerosol polishes on furniture with a lacquer finish because the chemicals can strip away the coating.

In addition, you should only use a silicone-free wood polish if the surface of your furniture is prone to splintering or peeling. Silicone-based polishes can be hard to remove and are also less durable.