What is the best chemical to clean wood?

Author: Dr. Wendy Bogisich  |  Last update: Thursday, September 11, 2025

Murphy Concentrated Wood Cleaner Murphy Oil Soap is a time-tested wood cleaner that's been around for generations. Our cleaning pros love the versatility — it not only tackles grime on hardwood floors, but can also clean wood cabinets, furniture and more.

What is the best substance to clean wood with?

A quick wipe down with a damp microfiber towel and a drop of dish soap, or even a scrub down with Clean-A-Finish for the worst pieces, will ensure that you are enhancing the brightest, cleanest version of your wood finish possible. Just clean, dry, then buff in a little polish to shine.

What is the best product to disinfect wood?

For a quick and convenient solution, use Clorox® Scentiva® Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths1 to disinfect hardwood floors. They kill 99.9% of germs2 and are bleach-free and safe to use on sealed or finished hardwood floors.

What chemical cleans wood?

Bleach – You can mix 4 gallons water, 1 gallon bleach (12.5%) and 1 cup TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) for simple deck and wood cleaning.

What is the best chemical to treat wood?

The most common varieties of oil-borne preservatives include creosote and pentachlorophenol. Creosote have been historically used as a treatment for outdoor wood structures to prevent rot – such as railroad ties and bridgework.

The 5 Best Wood Cleaning Chemicals

What is the best product to treat wood?

12 Most Effective Wood Sealers According To Experts
  • Rainguard Premium Wood Sealer.
  • DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer.
  • Anchorseal 2.
  • Roxil Wood Protection Cream.
  • Eco-Advance Exterior Wood Waterproofer.
  • Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood.
  • Pure Tung Oil Natural Wood Sealer.
  • Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant.

How do you clean wood before treating?

Pressure washing is the best way to achieve great results quickly, but be careful to secure smaller projects before spraying. Once the wood is clear of mould, dirt and grime, you're ready to apply a preservative and wood stain.

How do you clean very dirty wood?

How To:
  1. Wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to dust the furniture. ...
  2. Use another clean and dry microfiber cloth to apply mineral spirits generously. ...
  3. Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain. ...
  4. Use the damp cloth from the first step to clean any residue. ...
  5. Dry the surface with a clean cloth.

What should you not clean wood with?

Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Wood
  • Ammonia. You should never put ammonia on wood, it is a chemical that is in a lot of cleaning products and is good for many situations, however, it should not be used on wood. ...
  • Oil. ...
  • Glass Cleaners. ...
  • Wet Mops.

What is the best chemical to pressure wash wood with?

Highly rated wood deck cleaners in 2022
  • Woodrich Heavy-duty Wood Stripper – Heavy-duty wood stripper. ...
  • Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Cleaner – Easy spray and leave application. ...
  • SunJoe House and Deck All Purpose Premium Wash – Pressure washer concentrate formula.

What kills germs on wood?

A solution of warm water, vinegar and about five drops of dish soap can clean and disinfect the furniture if soiled. Remove dust and protect using a soft cloth and non-abrasive furniture polish. Avoid polish build-up by applying furniture polish sparingly to a soft cloth and gently wiping wood surfaces.

Can hydrogen peroxide clean wood?

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic typically used for cuts and scrapes. But this safe, natural cleaner is also a whitener that works well on all kinds of stains, including dark stains on wood. Hydrogen peroxide can discolor some items if it sits too long or if the formula is too strong.

Is Murphy's oil soap good for wood?

Do NOT clean your floors with Murphy's Oil Soap, Mop and Glo, Orange Glo, Swiffer Wet Mop, furniture polish such as Pledge, vinegar, ammonia, or any pine cleaners! All of these cleaners, over time, will dull and damage the finish.

What cleans old wood the best?

Mix 3 parts hemp oil to 1 part distilled white vinegar. The oil must be an oil that is made for furniture refinishing, so it will not go rancid. If you pull vegetable oil from your kitchen cabinet, you will likely have that problem. The oil hydrates the wood while the vinegar cleans it.

Is simple green safe for wood?

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.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on wood?

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.

How do you disinfect wood without damaging it?

Steps
  1. Step 1 Mix ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol® for each gallon of water. ...
  2. Step 2 Dampen a soft sponge, cloth or mop with the mixture to wipe down the surface.
  3. Step 3 Scrub stubborn spots with a gentle scrub brush or mop. ...
  4. Step 4 Wait 10 minutes to disinfect surfaces.
  5. Step 5 Follow up with a thorough water rinse.

What does WD-40 do to wood?

The oil in WD-40 helps condition the wood, enhancing its natural shine and color. It's important to use a moderate amount and avoid oversaturating the wood. This technique can revitalize old wooden chairs, tables, picture frames, or any wooden object that needs a pick-me-up.

What is the safest way to clean wood?

We suggest you use a damp cloth to clean wood furniture. The key here is to make sure it's just damp, not wringing wet. You don't want to saturate the wood. You can mist a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth with clean water to dampen it.

How do you remove years of grime from wood?

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.

Does vinegar clean wood?

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.

How do you deep clean raw wood?

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. Apply the cleaner sparingly with a soft-bristle brush, working in the direction of the wood grain.

What do mineral spirits do to wood?

Mineral spirits, also called paint thinner or mineral turpentine, prepare wood surfaces by gently cleaning the top layer. The liquid doesn't make the wood swell, thus damaging it or changing its size, but rather wipes off any stains, especially oil.

What is the old fashioned wood preservative?

Creosote is one of the oldest wood preservatives, and was originally derived from a wood distillate, but now, virtually all creosote is manufactured from the distillation of coal tar.

What oil can I use to clean wood?

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.

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