Nothing can compare to the elegance and beauty of a natural wood piece. Whether it’s an heirloom table passed down through generations or a new, sleek bookcase you purchased recently, taking care of your investment is essential for maintaining its quality over time. Knowing how to clean wood furniture properly is key to protecting and preserving its vibrancy; luckily, this doesn’t have to be an intimidating task! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your wood furniture looking as good as new. Read on to learn how to clean wood furniture!
How to Clean Wood Furniture
How to Get Rid of Old Polish
Knowing how to clean wood furniture with decades of polish accumulation may help you rejuvenate an antique.
- Put two tea bags in a cup of boiling water.
- Allow the tea to come down to room temperature.
- Wring out a soft cloth in the tea until it’s moist, then wash the wood.
The tannic acid in tea is excellent for wood preservation. You’ll be astonished at how well the wood shines.
How to Get Water Marks Off Wood
Here’s how to fix the damage done to a wooden surface when a hot or cold beverage was set down straight on the surface.
- Apply non-gel toothpaste to the affected area and wipe with a soft cloth until the stain is removed.
- To remove hard stains, use equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste.
- Wipe the toothpaste with a towel and then dry completely.
How to Get Rid of Stickers or Glue Remains
- First, remove the sticky residue as best as possible using the edge of a credit card or a plastic scraper. Rub a clean cloth with a dab of olive oil or mineral oil over the affected area.
- Finish by applying wood polish to the whole surface to balance out the gloss.
How to Get Rid of More Stubborn Marks
- Mix 1 Tbsp baking soda with 1 tsp water to create a paste to get rid of a stubborn stain. Apply the mixture to the stain and rub with a clean cloth. Remove the paste with a damp cloth and thoroughly dry. After cleaning your furniture, apply a coat of wood polish to retain the gloss and add sheen.
- Another way is to use mineral spirits to clean. Mineral spirits is a petroleum distillate that is used to thin oil-based paints as well as to clear stains and varnishes to eliminate waxy build-up. When using this product, always use protective gloves and equipment and work in a well-ventilated area. Apply a small quantity on a cloth and wipe the furniture in the direction of the wood grain. Buff the wood with a clean, dry cloth to finish.
How to Preserve Wood Furniture as Long as Possible
Furniture wax, either paste or liquid, offers hardwood objects a strong finish and long-lasting protection. Paste wax finishes may last up to two years, depending on how often you clean and maintain your furniture. Liquid wax is simpler to apply, but it leaves a thinner layer and may need more frequent application than paste wax.
Furniture polish may add shine to wooden furniture, but it does not stay as long as wax. Liquid polishes, such as oil polish, do not harm wood finishes and provide a gorgeous shine, but they fade quickly when the liquid dries.
Regular Cleaning for Wood Furniture
Keeping wood furniture clean and beautiful is a task that anyone can do. Regular cleaning and maintenance are the best ways to ensure that your furniture lasts an extra long time. Routine cleaning means regular dusting, as well as an in-depth cleaning every few weeks or months. So be sure to use either a soft cloth or a vacuum attachment to remove dust and dirt particles from surfaces on a regular basis.
With these tips, you should be able to get rid of any stains on your wood furniture. If the stain is resistant, you may need to repeat the process or refinish the area. You can avoid many stains by using coasters and placing mats under potted plants. With a little care, your wood furniture will last for years.
