Sudarsan Chakraborty

Rarely can you see a home without wooden furniture. Homeowners choose this type of furniture not only because it is versatile, durable and aesthetically appealing but also because it is low maintenance. Still, regular maintenance is necessary if you want your quality wood furniture to last a long time. We have a few simple tips on how to clean your wooden furniture like a pro.

Reasons to clean your furniture

 Health. Living in a clean home is good for all of its residents’ physical and mental health.
 Moving. Whether you are moving in or out, you need to do some serious cleaning before
you decide the size of the moving crew and let them do their part of the job.
 Selling. Cleaning a home before showing it to potential buyers will increase your chances of
selling.
 Guests. When your home is clean and organized, you can invite people over without feeling
ashamed.
 Kids. By cleaning your wooden furniture and the rest of your belongings, you set a good
example for your kids.
 Storing. If you decide to store wooden furniture, you need to prepare it for storage first. The preparation process includes cleaning, and the rest you can learn on
mastermovingguide.com.

Things to do before you clean your wooden furniture

First, you need to gather all the cleaning supplies you intend to use. Each stain, finish and type of wood is different, which means there are different approaches to cleaning wooden furniture. When choosing your furniture, don’t forget to ask the vendor how to maintain it.

As we mentioned earlier, it won’t be complicated to clean your wooden furniture, however, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Still, we would advise you to start cleaning with the mildest cleaning solution. Whatever solution you use on your furniture, always test it on a small, less visible surface before applying it to the whole piece. Bear in mind that all-purpose cleaners typically used for home cleaning can damage wooden furniture. They work only if there is a plastic coating.

In case you have any concerns, contact a local furniture repair company and ask them for advice before you start to clean your wooden furniture.

How to clean your wooden furniture using…

Feather dusters/cloths

Dusting helps remove any layer of dust covering the furniture’s surface. Dusting should be part of your regular cleaning routine, especially if someone in your home is allergic. You can use either a feather duster or a soft, clean piece of cloth. Again, ventilation is necessary. A damp cloth is even better than a dry one, as it causes the dust to cling instead of floating and eventually landing on the same surface.

Dish soap

First of all, prepare a cotton ball and dip it in warm water. Then, put a few drops of mild dish soap on it and wipe a hidden surface like the inside of a chair’s leg. If there are no changes to the wood, you can proceed with wiping. Wring off excess water and wipe using circular motions. Finally, rinse the wooden surface and remove water residue with a dry cloth. Never leave a wooden surface wet.

Mineral spirits

Mineral spirits that are petroleum based are safe for furniture made of wood. When a mild solution is not enough to remove the dirt, use a clean cloth that’s been soaked in mineral spirits to rub your wooden furniture. Next, wipe the furniture using a moist cloth. The room should be well-ventilated.

Olive oil and vinegar

To maintain the beauty of your wooden furniture, you should polish it at least twice a year. Olive or vegetable oil and white vinegar make a great furniture polish that adds moisture to the wood. Mix a quarter cup each and apply the mixture using a soft cloth. Polish afterward to make your wooden furniture shine. Of course, try it out first on a small surface.

How to clean outdoor furniture

Being exposed to the elements (extreme humidity levels and drastic temperature changes) year-round, your outdoor furniture is particularly prone to suffering all sorts of damage. Therefore, it requires special care. First of all, consider keeping it indoors during the colder months. Also, yearly treatment with stains is a great way to maintain its beauty. Adding a coat of wood preserver will also help you maintain softwood furniture intact. A single can will last a few years.
When you clean it, start by rubbing your wooden furniture using a soft cloth soaked in detergent. In case the cleaning does not help, you might need to refinish it. If the finish does not stay intact after applying denatured alcohol on a small surface, hire professional help. They will remove the top layer and replace it. Afterward, you can protect the wooden finishes using wax. Use fine steel wool to rough the surface first. This way, the wax can penetrate the wood evenly.

Things to do after you clean your wooden furniture

Your furniture needs to dry for at least 24 hours after cleaning, regardless of the cleaning product or method. Only then can you see the result of your work. Once it is completely dry, you can see if any repairs are necessary. If you notice any damage, try treating the areas that show damage with finish repairs. This may take time, though.

In case everything looks good, you can apply some wax paste on the surfaces. Wax will protect your furniture and keep its shine. Use a semi-solid wax without silicone and cheesecloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then, buff it in using a clean microfiber cloth. Afterward, you can use lemon oil polish to make the surfaces shinier. Cover the surfaces you use frequently with tablecloths for additional
protection.