Wood is a popular and sturdy material choice for furniture. It has always been. However, that doesn’t mean wood furniture doesn’t need a little maintenance. Especially when it doesn’t need a lot of effort to clean wood furniture.
HOW TO CLEAN DIRTY WOOD FURNITURE
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how regularly you dust your wood furniture. It can get dirty with oils and body lotions off your hands, vapors, and steam from cooking, and even build-up of cleaning detergents you use for regular cleaning. The most affected piece of furniture is the dining table. From our years of experience dealing with aftercare services of wooden dining table Apex, we have put together an easy guide on how to clean dirty wood furniture. This works on all types of wood so you can use it to restore any piece to its gleaming self in no time.
1. Mineral Spirits
The embedded dirt in your wooden furniture may present itself as a sticky residue. Remove years of build-up with mineral spirits. However, we always recommend doing a test run on an inconspicuous area first to ensure there is no discoloration. If it occurs, you shouldn’t use this method to clean your wood furniture. Otherwise, you can go ahead.
What You Will Need
- Mineral Spirits
- Microfiber cloth
- Cheesecloth
- Wax Polish
How To:
- Wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to dust the furniture. The dampness of the cloth will collect all dust particles. However, ensure the cloth is not too wet.
- Use another clean and dry microfiber cloth to apply mineral spirits generously. Make sure not to soak the wood by applying too much either.
- Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain. The dirt will start to lift off right away. Pay extra attention to especially dirty areas.
- Use the damp cloth from the first step to clean any residue. Depending on the size of the furniture piece, you may need to go over the steps a few times.
- Dry the surface with a clean cloth. Remember that you don’t want to leave any moisture on the surface of your wood furniture.
- Lastly, apply wax polish with a cheesecloth. Rub it in the direction of the wood grain and buff it. This is not an essential step to clean dirty wood furniture. However, it helps protect your wood furniture from getting dirty again.
2. Oil And Vinegar
If you don’t want to use mineral spirits, use a homemade oil and vinegar furniture cleaner instead.
What You Will Need
- Oils that won’t go rancid (e.g., Hemp Oil, Walnut Oil, etc)
- White Vinegar
- Jar
- Microfiber Cloths
How To:
- Mix three parts of oil to one part vinegar in a jar. Shake well to create a homogeneous mixture.
- Dust your furniture with a damp cloth.
- Dip a clean cloth into the homemade mixture from the first step. Rub it in the direction of wood grain into the furniture.
- Repeat the process until the grime lifts off completely.
- Dry the surface of wood furniture with a clean dry cloth. You mustn’t let any moisture sit on the surface of the wood.
3. Vinegar
Another natural way to clean dirty wood furniture is to the good old, trusted weapon of choice aka Vinegar. It is an all-natural way to clean dirty wood furniture. Again, because vinegar is a strong cleaner, we always recommend doing a test run on an inconspicuous area first. Make sure there is no discoloration before you go ahead and clean the entire furniture. If no discoloration occurs, you are good to go.
What You Will Need
- Vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
- Water
- Olive oil (optional)
- Soap (optional)
How To:
- Wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to dust the furniture. The dampness of the cloth will collect all dust particles. However, ensure the cloth is not too wet.
- Mix three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar into a cup of water.
- Use another clean and dry microfiber and dip it into the mixture. Apply it to the surface of the furniture paying special attention to the dirty areas. Make sure not to soak the wood by applying too much either.
- Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain.
- Use the damp cloth from the first step to clean any residue. Depending on the size of the furniture piece, you may need to go over the steps a few times.
- Dry the surface with a clean cloth. Remember that you don’t want to leave any moisture on the surface of your wood furniture.
- If you want to clean and polish the wood furniture in one go. Try this recipe. Combine one cup of distilled vinegar with one cup of olive oil and add one teaspoon of soap to the mixture.
- Put it in a spray bottle. If you’re a big fan of scents (who isn’t?) You can add 10 or more drops of your favorite essential oil for a lingering aroma too.
- Shake the bottle vigorously and test it on an inconspicuous area of your wood furniture.
- If there isn’t any damage to the finish, go ahead and spray the mixture on a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface of your furniture.
- Buff off excess moisture with a dry cloth.
This method of using vinegar and olive oil is not necessary if you’re looking for how to clean dirty wood furniture. However, it helps to protect your wood furniture from getting dirty again. It also brings the shine of wax polish to your wood furniture using natural materials.
We proudly serve the Apex, Cary, and Raleigh locations and surrounding areas with Amish and Custom Furniture.