To clean wood furniture, you can use an all-purpose spray designed for wood or make a solution yourself, says Cohoon. In a bowl, mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out so it's damp.
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.
Wipe wood furniture with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. (Use a cotton cloth to avoid damaging the wood). Quickly wipe it dry with another microfiber cloth. Don't let water sit on wood since it can warp the surface.
Most experts agree that you should first try to clean your wood furniture with a mixture of dish soap and water. If this doesn't work, you can try slightly stronger cleaners, but this is usually sufficient.
Be sure to avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths as these can damage the finish on your wooden dining table.
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.
Murphy® Original oil soap is the one Mom and Grandma used to clean wood to a natural shine. Pull out the bucket and get nostalgic while cleaning wooden floors and furniture, cabinets, tile and linoleum.
Howard Company is the King of wood restoration, and their products Clean-A-Finish and Restore-A-Finish, are the one-two punch professionals rely on to reclaim even the most neglected wood pieces. Just dampen a microfiber towel with Clean-A-Finish and wipe away years of grime, smoke residue, mold, and more.
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 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.
Take special care when cleaning wood surfaces and floors in your home. "All-purpose cleaners can damage wood finishes by stripping the protective layer, leaving the surface vulnerable," says Williamson.
Use as directed. Did you know that you can use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes on finished wood* surfaces and shiny surfaces like mirrors and glass? It's a quick and easy way to keep all your household surfaces clean and disinfected.
Add an extra layer of protection using wood treatments like oils or varnishes. Oils work by penetrating the grain of the wood and preventing any other materials from entering the wood. Varnishes create a hard barrier that acts as a first line of defense.
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.
To clean wood furniture, you can use an all-purpose spray designed for wood or make a solution yourself, says Cohoon. In a bowl, mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out so it's damp.
To clean your floors with this DIY mixture, combine equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, a few teaspoons of lemon juice, and five parts hot water. Dip your mop or rag into the solution, wring gently, and then wipe down your hardwood floors with this homemade wood floor cleaner that shines.
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.
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.
CONSIDER CLEANING:
with a mild nonalkaline soap and water. Use the suds in a damp sponge or cloth, but be sure to pre-test the solution on an inconspicuous section to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Ensure the cloth is not too wet to avoid excessive moisture on the wood.
Safe Cleaning
It's important to dilute these substances properly. Too much vinegar can potentially dull the wood finish over time due to its acidity, while too much Dawn can leave a slippery residue. The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn.
Despite being sold as a furniture polish, you should also avoid using Pledge on your wood, as it builds up waxy layers of silicone that may hide imperfections but not actually help treat the wood in any way. Now that we've looked at what not to do, let's review what to do to properly care for your furniture.