How to Clean Wood Furniture
Over time and with extended use, the surface of wood furniture will begin to accumulate dirt and grime that cannot be removed by dusting alone. If you have oak, mahogany, or hickory furniture that has lost its luster, or if you have picked up a vintage piece that you want to restore, learning how to clean the surface properly is essential. Below are popular, effective methods used to clean wooden furniture. Whichever cleaner you use, make sure to test an inconspicuous spot on the furniture, such as the inside of wood tables or chairs before cleaning the entire piece.
Identify the Type of Wood Finish
Some solvents do more than clean the surface dirt on a furniture piece; they dissolve cured surfaces. While this is acceptable if you want to refinish an item, it can permanently mar or damage those that you wish only to clean. Spot test before using these solvents to clean, especially if you do not know whether the surface is finished with shellac, enamel, or water-based paint:
- • Denatured alcohol dissolves shellac
- • Xylene dissolves water-based paint
- • Lacquer thinner dissolves water-based paint, lacquer, and shellac
- • Turpentine, naphtha and paint thinner dissolve water-based finishes
Vinegar and Olive Oil for Wood Furniture
Treat treasured wood furniture—like your
formal dining set—to a moisturizing buff and polish at least twice a year to keep dirt and grime to a minimum. Mix equal parts of olive or vegetable oil with white vinegar. Apply it using a soft cloth, and after the wood dries, use a clean cloth and buff until the wood shines.
Liquid Dish Soap to Clean Wood Furniture
This is the mildest type of cleaner and least likely to damage the finish. Moisten a cotton ball with water and add a drop of liquid dish soap and spot test the piece. If this process mars the finish on your wood chairs or table, discontinue cleaning with the dish soap. However, if there is no sign of damage, proceed by mixing water and soap in a bucket and run a damp sponge lightly along the surface of the entire piece. Make sure the sponge is not soaking wet or dripping with excess water as it may damage the wood.
Mineral Spirits to Treat Wood Furniture
This versatile cleaner can tackle some of the toughest home, yard, and garage grime, so it’s perfect for your
outdoor furniture. Not only can it remove the sticky price tag residue on hard surfaces and clean scuff marks off floors, but it can also clean and restore wood furniture. If it tests safe, dip a rag into the solvent and squeeze or wring to remove excess moisture. Buff in a circular motion to remove dirt from the surface of your living room, dining room, or bedroom furniture.
Post Washing Options
Regardless of the method used, once cleaned, use a dry cloth to buff the surface until it shines and allow at least 24 hours to dry. Follow with a protective coating of wax to help preserve the finish and protect from future damage or refinish the piece.
Easy Care Wood Furniture at SuperNova Furniture
Browse our online inventory of beautiful easy-care wood furniture or visit the
SuperNova Furniture location near you today! We offer a wide selection of individual pieces and complete sets for every room of your home. Do you like pine with an antique white finish or do you prefer walnut with a dark stain? We have a broad assortment of wood furniture to suit virtually every preference. Choose from classic and contemporary styles that make your house feel like home. At
Supernova Furniture, we take pride in offering high-quality wooden furniture pieces. However, we do not take responsibility in any potential damages caused by taking the commonly accepted steps listed to properly clean and maintain.
