Introduction
Wood furniture can accumulate dirt, dust, grime, and spills over time that make it look dull and dirty. Giving your wood furniture a deep clean from top to bottom can restore it to its natural beauty and shine. With some simple cleaning solutions and a bit of elbow grease, you can thoroughly clean wood furniture and keep it looking its best for years to come.
Gather Supplies
Before I start cleaning wood furniture, I make sure to gather all the necessary supplies. Here is a list of what I need:
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft bristle brush
- Murphy Oil Soap or other mild wood cleaner
- Clean rags
- Small bucket or spray bottle filled with clean water
I also like to have on hand old toothbrushes, cotton swabs, and soft scrapers to help clean in small cracks and crevices. It’s important to avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the wood finish.
Clean All Surfaces
With my supplies gathered, I start by cleaning all the surfaces. I spray or wipe wood cleaner onto tables, chairs, shelves, and any other wooden furniture pieces. I let it sit for a few minutes to allow the soap to penetrate dirt and grime.
I use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe horizontal surfaces clean. For vertical surfaces like chair backs and table legs, I find it easiest to dip a soft brush in the cleaner and gently scrub up and down.
I’m careful to get into corners and crevices with either a toothbrush, cotton swabs, or soft scraper. This lifts out accumulated grime and dirt.
Treat Tough Stains
If I come across any tough stains or sticky spots, I use a little bit of undiluted soap directly on the stain. I let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
This extra soaking time helps loosen up stubborn stains so I can wipe them away more easily. For wax or grease spots, I’ve also had success gently scraping away the residue with a plastic scraper after letting the cleaner sit.
Rinse and Dry
Once I’ve scrubbed every surface, I take a clean, damp rag and go over the entire piece again. This rinses away any soap residue that could build up and leave streaks.
I make sure to get into every nook and cranny to remove all traces of cleaner. For intricate carvings or details, I sometimes use a toothbrush and water to give it an extra rinse.
Lastly, I go over the entire piece with a dry microfiber cloth and dry each section thoroughly after rinsing. This prevents any standing water from drying and leaving new water marks.
Finish with Polish
As a final step after the deep clean, I like to apply a wood polish to help condition the furniture and give it an extra shine. Before polishing, I make sure the surface is completely dry.
I apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the grain using circular motions. This fills in micro-scratches and gives a protective coating to help repel dust and fingerprints.
I buff the piece with a clean cloth until the polish is fully absorbed into the wood. Then I stand back and admire the refreshed, revitalized look of my restored wooden furniture!
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning wood pieces, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive products. Ammonia, bleach, and acidic cleaners can actually break down finishes and strip the stain from wood.
I also never use wax removers on finished wood, as they can pull off the protective sealant. Vinegar and lemon juice should also be avoided for the same reason.
Maintain the Finish
To keep my wood furniture looking its best after a deep clean, I try to maintain the finish by using coasters, placemats, and table runners to protect from new spills and scratches.
I also dust regularly with a microfiber cloth and re-apply polish every couple months to condition the wood. This helps keep the cleaned wood surfaces maintained in between deeper cleanings.
Know When to Call a Professional
While I can handle most furniture cleaning myself, there are some cases where I call in a professional refinisher. If a wood piece has serious damage like deep gouges, cracks, or missing veneer, or if the original finish is worn away in spots, it requires special expertise to properly repair and restore it.
Professionals also have access to powerful techniques like refinishing and reupholstering that give furniture an even deeper refresh. For family heirlooms or expensive antiques, it’s usually worth investing in a pro.
Cleaning wood furniture from top to bottom takes some work, but it’s very rewarding to see the beautiful results! With these cleaning tips and a little time and attention, you can restore wood pieces to their former glory.
