8 Best Ways To Clean Wood Furniture
When it comes to keeping your furniture in good condition it should be cleaned often to help them last for years. Wood furniture can be the hardest to maintain as it is highly susceptible to stains and grime. When cooking oils and food vapors are allowed to build up on wooden surfaces, they form layers of grime that, if left for too long, can be hard to remove, according to Cleanipedia. That's why buying the right materials can prevent any tarnish to the wood and keep your furniture looking brand new.
There are several household products that are useful for keeping your wood furniture spotless. It's important to remember that many furniture items are now produced with a laminate or veneer, whereas antique wood is made from solid wood, notes Merry Maids. While furniture manufacturers may have their own cleaning guides, it's always a good idea to have a backup. Here are a few effective methods to clean your wood furniture.
1. Microfiber cloth
The most simple and effective way to clean your wood furniture is by using a microfiber cloth. Their soft, split fibers collect dust that accumulates on surfaces and small corners, explains Microfiber Wholesale. Since dust particles range from about 1 to 100 micrometers, most of them can be picked up by the fibers in the cloth.
There are different types of microfiber cloths ranging from all-purpose cleaners to multi-purpose microfiber towels. You don't need any other types of chemical sprays or even water for general cleaning. If you do decide to use water or an all-purpose cleaner, be careful not to scrub so deep that you soak the wood and potentially do more damage. To get the most use out of them, you can throw them in your next load of laundry and reuse them whenever you need. You just wipe along the wood surface to catch every dust particle.
2. Dish soap
A good go-to cleaning method that never fails is using mild dish soap, according to Real Simple. Dish soap is a neutral cleaner so it's harmless to any surface and won't strip away its finish. All you need is a microfiber cloth, dish soap, and water. Before applying any dish soap, wipe down the surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to rid any dust that has accumulated. When you go to clean your wood finish surfaces, always test a small area to ensure that it doesn't damage your furniture.
Mix the dish soap with some water and dip your microfiber cloth into the mixture and apply it to any sticky spots on your wood surfaces. Don't add too much to the wood as it may soak through and leave behind a water stain, which is harder to get out. Once the spot is clean and without marks, you can wipe the rest of the surface and let it air dry.
3. White vinegar
White vinegar has been used for so many home remedies, so why not use it to clean your hardwood surfaces? Using white vinegar can easily take out stains and remove sticky spots quickly, per Decor Tips. It can also help polish the wood to make it look new, without leaving behind any residue that other cleaning products might. All you need is white vinegar, a microfiber cloth, and cotton balls.
To clean your wood furniture, use your microfiber cloth to clean off any dust. With the vinegar, you can add a small amount to the wood where there are any stains or marks and leave it to soak for a couple of minutes. Then, wipe off the vinegar with the microfiber cloth and let it air dry. If there's a glass ring stain on the wood, you can also use a cotton ball that's been lightly dipped in vinegar and go over the ring to remove it.
4. Mineral spirits
Mineral spirits can be used for numerous things, especially when it comes to cleaning, since a good degreaser. It's also known as a paint thinner since it removes paint from brushes that have been dipped in oil-based paints, via The Plywood. When you use mineral spirits on wood furniture, it can soften the finish, so it's best to test a small area to make sure it will work properly. Never use it on waxed wood surfaces because it may remove the glossy finish. All you need is a microfiber towel and mineral spirits.
Prep the wood surface by clearing off any dust with the towel, you can either apply the mineral spirits directly to the surface or via the microfiber cloth. If you put it directly on the furniture, move quickly to wipe it down, moving along the grain of the wood. Don't go against the grain or you'll risk damaging the wood. If you apply the mineral spirits to the cloth, wipe down the surface slowly, avoiding any circular motions.
5. Tea water
Polish buildup can wear the surface of your wood furniture. Tea bags help to remove the old polish and make it look good as new, per Maid For You. While furniture polish can do the trick for a while, it's a good idea to deep clean your wood occasionally. You can always reapply a new coat of polish after the old one is removed. All you need is a microfiber cloth and 2 to 4 tea bags, depending on how much wood you're cleaning.
To get started, place the tea bags in boiling water, then allow them to cool in the water. Dampen the microfiber cloth in the tea water and gently scrub the polish away. If the polish doesn't fully go away, use a new cloth to redo the process. Once you're satisfied with the results, dry the wood with a fresh clean towel and you're ready to apply a fresh coat of polish.
6. Toothpaste
Water stains can be tough to get out from wood furniture, but toothpaste is a useful trick to remove them, via Keen Clean. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and has baking soda in it which helps it to clean easier. By using a non-gel toothpaste, you'll be able to remove any water stains your wooden table or desk accumulates. You only need toothpaste and a microfiber towel or a toothbrush.
Apply the toothpaste directly to the water ring and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, gently scrub the toothpaste with the microfiber towel or toothbrush into the wood. Be careful not to go outside of the ring as this could damage the surrounding wooden finish. After scrubbing the toothpaste, wipe it off with the microfiber towel. Repeat if needed, just don't leave the toothpaste on for too long as it may leave a white residue, which will be just as difficult to remove!
7. Mayonnaise
Surprisingly, mayonnaise can help remove nasty water stains, especially any moisture on your wood dining table. Moisture can get trapped in the wood and leave behind stains. Mayonnaise is oil-based (that soaks into the wood) with the ingredients of eggs, vinegar, and lemon juice, per Today's Homeowner. Its acidity helps it soak into the wood and pull out the unwanted water. Use mayonnaise, a spatula, a towel, and a microfiber cloth.
Rub small amounts of mayonnaise over any water stains or marks in a circular motion with your finger or spatula and let it sit for an hour if the stains are small. If the stains are bigger and tougher, let the mayonnaise soak overnight. Place a paper towel over the mayonnaise so that insects don't make an appearance. When the time is up, wipe down the mayonnaise with a cloth and dry the spots with a new towel.
8. Olive oil
Another home remedy you can put together quickly and easily contains olive oil, and everything you need should be right in your kitchen cupboards. Olive oil, just like mayonnaise will help remove any moisture from your wood furniture. Chemically infused cleaners can often hold toxic chemicals that can harm you or your family over time. Queen Creek Olive Mill suggests making your own solution with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and lavender-scented essential oil. You'll also need a spray bottle and a microfiber cloth.
To make the spray, use 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 20 drops of the essential oil. For darker wood, you can also use apple cider vinegar. Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake it well, and spray all over your wood surfaces. With your soft cloth or microfiber towel rub the solution into the wood using circular motions and dry the table with another clean towel.