Wood furniture features timeless style and low maintenance care, but even the most well-kept wood eventually shows signs of aging. If not done properly, cleaning your wood furniture can actually do more harm than good, as its wax, lacquer, oil, or polish finish can be easily stripped. Restore your tables and chairs to their natural sheen with our step-by-step guide on how to clean wood furniture.

Before You Begin

Different types of wood may not always respond favorably to the same cleaning products. Make sure you have read any manufacturer instructions specific to your furniture and the material you are working with. Always test a cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your furniture to ensure that the solution agrees with the material. If the finish remains intact, it is safe to use on the entire piece.

Simple Care

Protecting your wood furniture is as simple as lightly dusting once a week. If you wish for a little shine after dusting your wood, spray a small amount of water onto a microfiber cloth, and wipe down the piece. Only use water on finished wood; unfinished wood should be wiped down with just a dry cloth. Unsure how to tell if your wood is finished or not? Sprinkle some water onto the surface of your furniture. If it collects and beads, the material has a finish; if it absorbs into the wood, it is unfinished.

Tip!

You should always use placemats and coasters for any food or beverage you place on the wood’s surface. If you have any decorations that sit on your wood furniture, make sure to add pads underneath so that they don’t scrape the wood.

How to Polish Wood Furniture

If you are a consistent user of store-bought furniture polish, you may see a grimy layer buildup over time in the appearance of streaks or haziness. To keep your furniture smooth and shiny, begin by boiling water. Steep two black tea bags in the boiled water; then, once the water has cooled to room temperature, dip a cloth in the water. Wring out the cloth and use it to wash your wood furniture. The tannic acid in the tea helps to maintain the wood’s natural shine and break down any dullness or built up residue.

If you're short on time, make a simple mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts olive oil. Spray this mixture onto a cloth and apply it to the wood in small, buffing circles.

If your furniture has no grime buildup, but your wood appears dry, put a dab of olive oil onto a paper towel and lightly buff the surface. This will moisturize the wood and give it an illuminating shine.

Tip!

Keep your wooden furniture away from any direct heat sources, as they can lead to cracking and drying of the wood.

How to Remove Stains

When handling a stain on wood furniture, a good rule of thumb is to start with the gentlest cleaner first and work your way up.

Finished Wood

• Drink rings: For liquid rings leftover from beverages or any other sticky stain, dip a cloth into a mixture of mild soapy water and wipe away the marks. Make sure to dry the wood quickly so no water residue is leftover.
• Fingerprints: Some oil-based polishes used on wood can easily cause smearing or fingerprints. A damp cloth dipped in a gentle detergent will get the job done.

Unfinished Wood

Water marks: Form a paste of 1 teaspoon salt with a few drops of water and apply to the mark with a damp cloth. Rub the stain in circular motions. Remove the paste from the wood and wipe down. Dry with a clean towel.

For Both

• Scratches: Have old crayons lying around? Grab the one that matches the color of your wood furniture to seamlessly fill in any scratches. Buff the area afterwards to smooth it out.
• Ink Marks: Create a paste with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water, and apply a small amount to any ink stains. Buff the stain with a toothbrush. Then wipe and dry the area with a damp cloth.

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Source: Wayfair

In Erika's Cleaning Services, we have built our house cleaning service on trust and satisfaction. When we clean your home, we will treat it with the utmost care and respect. Our excellent references speak for themselves. We have been providing professional house cleaning services to many satisfied customers for many years.