Try mixing a weak solution of water and dishwashing soap. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out and wipe the entire piece. You want a damp cloth, not a wet one. Don't saturate the wood, and rinse your cloth often.
To clean wood furniture, dust it regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of mild soap and water, lightly dampen a cloth, and wipe the surface. Dry immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, and use a wood polish for shine.
To clean old wooden furniture naturally, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Apply the solution with a soft cloth to remove dirt and restore shine. For sticky residue, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, rub gently, and wipe clean. Avoid excessive moisture and harsh chemicals to protect the wood.
Wood Cleaner: Any gentle cleaner that's safe on wood surfaces will suffice, such as Dawn dish soap. Soft Cloths: These are used to clean without scratching. A microfiber towel can be an awesome option when available, as well.
Vinegar can be harmful to wooden furniture if used in excess, as it can strip the finish. However, it is often included in cleaning solutions in small amounts because it can help remove grime and sanitize the surface without causing damage. The key is to dilute it and use it sparingly.
Natural products like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil are effective in maintaining wooden furniture without the harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
Don't use vinegar or baking soda.
They actually damage and dull the polyurethane, which can irreparably ruin them. When it comes to DIY anything and your wood floors, just say no.
CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR WOOD FURNITURE
A gentle, water-based solution such as Murphy® Oil Soap Original works well when cleaning and protecting the finish on your wood floors, furniture and cabinets. The soap doesn't need to be rinsed and doesn't leave any residue.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner removes grease and grime from wood surfaces, while the biodegradable* formula makes it safer for use at home. The powerful degreaser also wipes away fingerprints and removes dirt, grease, grime and built up residue, leaving behind a streak-free surface that won't harm the wood's finish.
If you need to remove stubborn grime from wood, one of the most effective substances to use is oxalic acid. You can sand the surface, and then apply the product onto the affected area. Let the substance sit on the stain left by the grime until discolouration fades.
Olive oil nourishes the wood. It amazingly brings out its natural shine. It is a natural alternative to traditional stains. It will protect your furniture from water.
A sticky surface typically comes from an accumulation of dirt, cooking grease and grime. Another possibility is from the buildup of furniture polish, especially waxes or oils. Fortunately, it's usually enough to give it a good clean without having to strip and refinish the surface of your table.
Use Pine-Sol® full-strength if needed, following up with a water rinse. TIP: For safe, effective use, avoid using Pine-Sol® on unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood.
Cleaning Unfinished Wood Furniture
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your unfinished wood furniture looking its best. Start by dusting the furniture with a microfiber cloth to remove surface debris and prevent scratches. For deeper cleaning, use a mild wood cleaner or a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap.
Surfaces to avoid with Dawn® Powerwash:
Wood, including unsealed, varnished, stained, or painted wood surfaces & furniture. Safe on wood cutting boards if rinsed. Glass with UV coatings or other specialty treatments.
If your wood furniture has any spots with sticky residue, add a drop of dish soap to a microfiber cloth and test a tiny, out-of-sight section of the piece to make sure the finish doesn't get removed. If it's OK, combine a few drops of dish soap with a cup of water and gently clean the section.
Vinegar is a mild acid that can dissolve dirt and grime on wood furniture. Additionally, vinegar is a natural disinfectant, which means that it can kill bacteria and germs on your wood furniture. Moreover, vinegar is safe to use on wood furniture, as it doesn't contain harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
Mineral Oil
It's also non-flammable and won't stain your furniture. Mix equal amounts of mineral oil and vegetable oil. Start sparingly. To do so, rub the mixture onto the surface of your furniture using a rag.
Vinegar. For polyurethane-type finishes, mopping the floor with vinegar is a natural, inexpensive option many people use. A common dilution is a quarter of a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water.
Hardwood Floors, Wood Furniture, and Other Wood Surfaces: Due to its acidic nature, vinegar can damage hardwood floor finishes, causing them to look dingy. Use either a cleaner specifically made for hardwood floors or a mix of soap and water.
While baking soda is often considered a mild abrasive, it can still pose a risk to wood floors. The gritty texture, when applied with scrubbing or pressure, can create micro-scratches on the finish of the wood.