5 Simple Steps on How to Clean Wooden Furniture

Whether it's a bench, bed frame, or coffee table, wooden furniture is a timeless and classic piece that can elevate your home. However, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to preserve its natural beauty and keep it looking its best. 

This comprehensive guide will equip you with effective techniques and tips on how to clean your wooden furniture, ensuring it retains its pristine condition for years to come.

Understanding your wooden furniture

Before diving into the best way to clean your wooden furniture, it's crucial to understand the type of wood used. Different wood species have distinct characteristics and varying maintenance requirements. 

Common types of wood used in furniture include teak, oak, acacia, and walnut. By understanding the characteristics of the wood, you can better assess its vulnerability to certain cleaning products or techniques. 

Recommended read: How to Identify The Different Varieties of Teak Wood

Cleaning techniques for different finishes

If you have different finishes on your wooden furniture, the cleaning techniques may differ slightly. Here are some common finishes and how to care for them:

Varnished or sealed finishes

Varnished or sealed wooden furniture is relatively low maintenance. Wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap solution can easily remove dirt and stains. But, even with a varnish, remember to dry the surface immediately to prevent water damage.

Varnished or sealed wooden furniture is relatively low maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy households. To keep it looking its best, wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution to remove dirt and stains.

Be sure to dry the surface immediately after cleaning, as excess moisture can lead to water damage and dull the finish over time.

Additionally, consider applying a protective polish every few months to enhance the shine and offer protection against scratches and everyday wear.

Oiled or unsealed finishes 

Oiled or unsealed wooden furniture requires extra care due to the absence of a protective finish, making the wood more vulnerable to damage and wear. 

Clean it gently with a slightly damp cloth, taking care to avoid excessive water, as unsealed wood can quickly absorb liquid. This moisture absorption can lead to warping and staining. Furthermore, unsealed wood is more susceptible to drying out from exposure to air, heat and fluctuating humidity levels.

To combat this, regularly apply wood oil or conditioner to nourish the wood, helping to maintain its natural lustre and prevent it from becoming brittle or cracked.

By tailoring your cleaning approach to the specific finish of your furniture, you can effectively preserve its beauty and durability over time. Understanding these differences will help you avoid damaging your investment and ensure your wooden furniture remains a timeless centrepiece in your home.

Routine wooden furniture cleaning

Step 1: Clean and clear the furniture

Begin by removing any decor, cushions and rugs. This not only provides a clear working area but also prevents scratches during the cleaning process. Next, wipe down the furniture using a damp microfibre cloth or a soft brush to eliminate dust and loose dirt, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden spots.

Step 2: Apply cleaning solution 

Depending on the type of finish on your wooden furniture, the type of cleaning solution differs. As a general rule of thumb, always avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the finish — this is especially so for old furniture. Keep in mind that you should be thorough but gentle when cleaning to avoid scratching the wood. 

If you’re wondering how to clean wood furniture naturally, here are a few natural cleaning solutions you can easily whip up in your kitchen:

Mild dish soap and water

A mixture of mild dish soap and warm water is a commonly recommended solution for cleaning wooden furniture. The dish soap effectively cuts through grease and grime, while the warm water provides the necessary dilution. 

This solution is safe for most sealed or varnished wood finishes. It’s gentle yet effective in removing surface dirt and stains without causing damage.

White vinegar and water

Cleaning wooden furniture with vinegar is another effective method. White vinegar is a natural and versatile cleaner that’s commonly used as a cleaning agent in households. The acidity in vinegar helps to dissolve dirt and grime and when mixed with water, it can be used to clean wooden furniture. 

As for how to make it, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly mist the surface of the table. Wipe it down with a clean and soft cloth. Vinegar is especially useful for removing water spots or sticky residue left by food or drink spills.

Lemon juice and olive oil

If you’re looking for a natural way to not just clean, but also disinfect your wood furniture, a lemon juice and olive oil paste can be a great solution. Lemon juice acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to eliminate germs and bacteria while also removing stains. The olive oil nourishes the wood, replenishing its natural oils and adding a beautiful shine.

To use this homemade cleaner, mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Wondering how to get the best results? Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the furniture surface, following the direction of the grain for a more even application. Buff with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil and bring out the wood's natural lustre.   

Commercial wood cleaners

If you’ve got a wood cleaner on hand, you can save the extra effort and time of mixing your own cleaning solution. Just make sure your wood cleaner is safe to use on the specific type of wood furniture. 

Step 3: Rinse the surface 

After cleaning with your chosen solution, dampen a clean cloth with water and gently wipe the entire furniture surface to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. This step helps to ensure that no soap or cleaning product is left behind. This step ensures that no soap, vinegar, or cleaning product is left behind, which could potentially damage the finish or attract dust.

Step 4: Dry the furniture 

Once rinsed, use a dry, absorbent cloth to carefully dry the furniture and remove any remaining moisture. Make sure to dry in the direction of the wood grain to prevent streaking or damage. Pay attention to any intricate details, corners, or crevices where water might accumulate, as trapped moisture can lead to warping or damage over time.

Step 5: Apply furniture polish (optional) 

This is an optional but highly recommended step — apply a suitable furniture polish or wax to enhance the wood's natural beauty and provide additional protection. This is especially helpful for old wooden furniture as the polish gives it a beautiful shine that makes it look clean and new.

How to clean stains from wood furniture?

To effectively tackle stubborn stains on wooden furniture, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it reaches a thick and spreadable consistency.

Apply the paste to the stain, gently rubbing it in with a soft cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly afterwards to prevent moisture damage, which can lead to further issues like warping or mould growth.

For particularly tough stains, you may need to repeat this process a couple of times.

How to clean mould from wood furniture?

Mould can be a serious issue for wooden furniture, especially in humid environments. To remove mould, start by taking the furniture outside to prevent spores from spreading indoors.

Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water, or use a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Before applying the solution to the entire piece, conduct a spot test in an inconspicuous area to check for any adverse reactions.

Wondering how to tackle those mouldy spots effectively? Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the mouldy areas, wiping in the direction of the wood grain.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, even for stubborn stains, as they can damage the finish of the wood. Be cautious not to oversaturate the wood, as excessive moisture can lead to further damage.

After cleaning, wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, and thoroughly dry the furniture using a separate dry cloth.

If the mould has penetrated deep into the wood or caused stains, you may need to lightly sand the affected areas and then refinish the wood to restore its original appearance.

For ongoing prevention, ensure the furniture is kept in a well-ventilated area and regularly maintain a dry environment to discourage mould growth in the future.

Dealing with scratches

Scratches are common and bound to appear on your wooden furniture from daily use. Here’s how you can tackle them:

Minor scratches 

For minor scratches on wooden furniture, a simple touch-up can often do the trick. Use a soft cloth to apply a small amount of furniture polish or wax to the affected area. Rub it gently over the scratch in a circular motion until it blends in with the surrounding area. 

If you don't have any furniture polish on hand, you can try rubbing a walnut along the scratch. The oils in the nut can help to disguise the blemish.

Deeper scratches 

Deeper scratches may require more extensive repair. You can consider refinishing your wooden furniture, which will include sanding, using wood fillers, and resealing. 

If refinishing isn't an option, you can cover up unsightly scratches on your wood coffee table or sofa with placemats and throws, respectively. Strategically camouflaging the scratches on your wood furniture can help draw attention away from minor imperfections.

Best practices to maintain your wooden furniture

You’ve probably heard of the phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’, and it certainly can be applied to your wooden furniture as well! Here are some best practices to ensure your wooden furniture lasts long without the need for constant deep cleaning. 

Clean regularly 

If your wooden furniture faces the brunt of everyday use, be sure to clean it frequently. This prevents dirt buildup, which can make it harder to clean and could potentially cause damage to your furniture. For old wood furniture, consider cleaning them naturally using gentle methods like a damp cloth with a touch of olive oil to remove dust and nourish the wood.

Avoid excessive heat and moisture

Keep your wooden furniture away from sources of excessive heat, such as radiators, fireplaces, or heat vents. Also, protect your furniture from direct sunlight as prolonged sunlight can fade the wood’s natural colour. 

Use curtains or window treatments to shield your living room furniture sets from the sun’s rays, especially in spaces and rooms with abundant natural light. For outdoor furniture, use protective furniture covers to shield it from the elements.

If you have a wooden dining table, use placemats and coasters when having meals to protect your table from water rings and heat marks.

Polishing 

Periodically polish your wooden furniture with high-quality furniture polish to enhance its natural beauty and protect the surface. 

Polish acts as a barrier between whatever you place on the furniture and the wood beneath the surface. This makes the clean-up process easier and quicker, and preserves your wooden furniture for longer.

Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning agents 

Even if you’re trying hard to get that stain out, steer clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish of your wooden furniture. Opt for mild, wood-friendly solutions or natural remedies to clean your furniture. 

Nurturing your wooden furniture for lasting beauty

Cleaning and maintaining your wooden furniture requires care, attention, and the right techniques. Aside from regular cleaning, be sure to adopt some of the best practices mentioned above to ensure your wooden furniture retains its natural beauty and elevates your space for many years.