The Vinegar Cleaning Hack You Should Avoid With Wood Furniture

A multi-purpose solution that is readily available in most kitchens, vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool. It's usually made of acetic acid, which is a natural compound that is incredibly potent for dissolving dirt, oils, and killing bacteria. It's no surprise that many cleaning hacks incorporate vinegar in one form or another. However, when it comes to cleaning wooden furniture, avoiding these hacks altogether is the right answer. This is because the same properties that make vinegar a great stain remover and disinfectant make it a horrible choice for cleaning wood.

For one, the acidity of vinegar, which can be as low as 2.2 pH, will dissolve the wood finishes that are made of oils or waxes. This means that instead of adding shine and removing dirt from your wooden furniture, you're actually removing their luster and scratching them. This is not the only issue. The bigger problem is when vinegar finds its way into cracks in your furniture. Wood is highly absorbent by nature and has a pH value of 4 to 6, depending on the type of wood. When vinegar comes in contact with wood, it disrupts its pH value and degrades its lignin, which is the substance that gives wood its rigidity and structure. This means that over time, vinegar can make your wood furniture lose its integrity.

Even though vinegar is a natural cleaner that works well across many surfaces, using this common cleaning product on wood furniture is a big mistake. Vinegar is not safe for use on expensive hardwood furniture and flooring made of oak, maple, or walnut wood. For instance, white distilled vinegar, which is generally considered a clear, non-staining solution, can still leave dark spots on oak furniture. Additionally, prolonged exposure to vinegar can damage sealants like varnish and lacquer, reducing the durability and beauty of the wood. High-gloss finishes can also be stripped of their shine over time. In worst-case scenarios, vinegar can also corrode the finishes, exposing the untreated wood underneath. When that happens, vinegar can dry out the natural oils of the wood and cause further damage.

Antique wood furniture pieces are even more susceptible to vinegar damage, as older finishes are much more delicate than modern, durable ones. Vinegar can also leave behind a pungent smell that can linger for a long while on porous wooden surfaces. And if you think that diluting the vinegar might solve the problem entirely, it really won't. Diluted solutions can still cause water stains on sealed surfaces or lead to swelling, warping, or cracking on exposed wood. Some manufacturers would void the warranty if they found any sign of vinegar being used on the wooden furniture.

There are many ways to safely clean wooden furniture. If you have hardwood furniture, you should use specialized cleaning products and dilute them according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can also use a non-abrasive, gentle detergent mixed with lukewarm water to remove grease. Apply the mixture with a soft cloth after squeezing out as much water as possible to avoid water damage. You might also be surprised that one of the best ways to clean wood furniture items that are well-sealed or lightly scratched is by using a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts olive oil. In this case, the vinegar is diluted by an oil product instead of water to prevent any damage to the wood surface. Olive oil will cause a bit of darkening to the scratched area, which can reduce the visible scratch lines. It's important that you squeeze out all the excess moisture before wiping the scratched surface gently with the mixture. To ensure that no damage happens, always test on a small area first before applying.

If your furniture has slightly deeper scratches or damage, understanding how you should really be cleaning your wood furniture will make all the difference. You can use coloring crayons to fill in slightly deep scratches with a layer of colored wax. For deeper scratches and cracks, use wood fillers that match the color of your furniture. Apply the filler by using either a putty knife or an old plastic card, then wait for the filler to dry before using fine sandpaper to smooth the surface. You can also wipe the area with an appropriate amount of oil or wax afterwards to create some shine.