Cleaning Wood Furniture: Your Ultimate Guide
While you may dust wood furniture in your home often, it’s essential to be meticulous when it comes to actually cleaning wooden furniture. A weekly wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth can help keep dust particles at bay. However, you should deep-clean wood furniture at least once a month and occasionally polish it to maintain its best appearance and reduce surface scratches. You can use top-notch effects like Pure Tung Oil from the Real Milk Paint Co. to clean and polish wood surfaces to their original sheen.
The Matter of Knowing The Right Way To Clean Wood Furniture And Doing It Regularly
Keeping the beauty of wood grain intact requires regular cleaning of wood furniture. Dust particles can be abrasive and scratch the surface, leading to damage and a hazy film over time. Frequent dusting also helps to remove dust mites and other allergens that can affect household members. Regular cleaning also improves your home’s appearance, making it look more inviting.
Before You Clean Wood Furniture, Pinpoint the Wood Type and Finish
Different woods and finishes react differently to cleaners like furniture polish and mineral spirits. Try laying linseed oil in a discreet spot on wood furniture. If the wood grips oil, the surface is likely an oil finish. Nevertheless, if the oil beads are used, the finish is expected to be polyurethane, lacquer varnish, or shellac.
To identify the finish on wood furniture, apply acetone to a cotton swab near the tested spot. If the acetone beads, it’s likely polyurethane. If it doesn’t bead, wait to observe: lacquer dissolves, while shellac and varnish become tacky.
Last, a denatured drink with a cotton ball is devoted to determining between shellac and varnish finishes. Varnish reacts slowly, but shellac dissolves when quickly wiped across the wood furniture surface.
Essential Tools and Materials for Deeper Cleaning of a Wood Surface
Dusting wood furniture needs a little better than a microfiber cloth and your choice of aerosol furniture polish, but cleaning wood furniture directs more elbow oil. These are the tools and products you require to do the job perfectly:
- Soft cloths, such as microfiber or cotton
- Mild dish detergent and water
- Paper towels
- The correct cleaning developments for your wood and finish
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Clean Wood Furniture Perfectly
Other wood kernels and finishes demand specific care and severe cleaning. Cleaning effects such as aerosol furniture polish, refined white vinegar, and dish soap have different impacts on each type of wood. Here, we guide you on the best way to clean grime from various wood finishes, enabling you to remove dust, sticky remains, and old polish.
Cleaning Varnished, Lacquered, or Shellacked Wood
Mix dish soap with one part water to clean wood furniture with a varnish, lacquer, or shellac finish. Rub the surface with a damp cloth, then use a lint-free cloth to thoroughly dry the surface before continuing. Next, apply a paste wax like our Wood Wax using a buffing pad to return the wood furniture to its original sheen.
Cleaning Oil-Finished Wood
When cleaning wood furniture with an oil finish, sidestep using wax. Choose the appropriate wood oil: Hemp Oil for indoor use or Outdoor Defense Oil for outdoor furniture. Involve a miniature part and wipe away the excess. The oil will be touch-dry in seven days and fully cured in 30 days.
Cleaning Painted Wood
To clean painted wood, use a soft buzz detergent and water with a damp material, then dry the area with an article towel. You can stuff the surface without changing the color if your wood furniture is painted with natural milk paint. According to the product directions, use finishing oils like our pure tung oil for long-lasting protection.
Cleaning Unfinished Wood
If you intend to paint, stain, or oil unfinished wood, the first step is to clean it. An effective way to do this is by using Tri-Sodium Phosphate from the Real Milk Paint Co. Apply this product with a clean cloth to remove dust, sticky spots, and other debris from the entire piece.
Our Top Tips for Keeping Your Wood Furniture in Excellent Condition
The proverb says an ounce of precluding is worth a pound of cure, which is also valid for caring for wood furniture. Wood is sturdy and robust, and it looks great for years with the proper maintenance. Use these tips and the standard cleaning method to keep your famous furniture pieces beautiful.
Protecting Wood Furniture From Sunlight and Heat
Direct daylight is the most harmful enemy of wood furniture because the UV rays damage the top coat. To control this heat (and any other!) from ruining furnishings like your favored wood table, don’t place the wood furniture near windows where the sun shines for much of the day. Also, use trivets to protect wood exteriors like blunderer block countertops in your kitchen from hot pots and pans.
Preventing Water Damage and Rings
To prevent water stains on wood surfaces, use absorbent coasters and promptly wipe up liquid spills with a dry cloth. For existing stains, rub non-gel toothpaste with a soft cloth or use a mixture of equal parts baking soda and toothpaste for stubborn stains.
Addressing Scratches and Dents
Surface scrapes can be fixed with buffing using wood oil or high-quality paste wax. Deeper scratches and dents require filling with wood filler, sanding, and applying a matching stain or paint. After drying, use wax or a top coat for protection and a seamless finish.
Keep Your Wood Furniture Looking Its Best for Years to Come
Proper care and supervision of your wood furniture are paramount, primarily if you want the wood grain to persist and thrive in your home. Keeping your wood furniture clean and maintained is simple with effects from the Real Milk Paint Co. These all-natural, non-toxic explanations are straightforward for novices and experts and are for polishing and keeping wood furniture in top condition. See our product range now.
