Try to clean the wood as fast as you can so you dont let it stay wet for too long. Now nice to know that a few drops of dishwashing soap or vinegar in water can still do the trick! How to Clean Wood Furniture to Make It Look Brand New. If you want to see if you can get your furniture a little cleaner, the next thing to try is mineral spirits. The Ultimate First Time Homeowner's Guide. Find out how to remove watermarks and make your furniture last. This is why its important to work in a well-ventilated area and not pour out too much of the liquid onto the rag. So your work is actually counterproductive, because the dirt either ends up on the floor or in the air, then back on the surface youre trying to clean. Make sure you are applying a thin even coat. If the wood has any carved parts or hard-to-reach bits, you can use an old toothbrush dipped in mineral spirits to get in them and scrub. You just want to make sure to dust often and use as little water as possible. Got a tip, kitchen tour, or other story our readers should see? One mistake is using too much solution and water, as that can seep into the wood and potentially damage it. In case you were wondering why microfiber is so good at trapping dust, most dust particles range in size from 1 to 100 micrometers in diameter. Dry dusting will scratch the surface of your furniture, ruining the finish, she says. If you find sticky spots, dampen a microfiber cloth and apply light pressure until the reside has been removed. Additionally, when cleaning your wood, you don't want to use a lot of water. It keeps your wood in tip-top shape and allows you to notice issues with the furniture right away. This image is
not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Add a bit of petroleum jelly for tough watermarks and let it sit overnight. If the wood is still wet to the touch after you wipe it down, then rub it with a clean dry cloth in circular motions to dry it off. Remove everything off the wood furniture, including baskets, knick-knacks, etc. PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One. Wipe your wooden item down with the damp cloth, then gently buff it dry with a clean microfiber towel. Say goodbye to water stains, ink marks and polish buildup on your wood furniture by following these simple cleaning tips and tricks. This article has been viewed 35,498 times. Always wipe with the grain of the wood. Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money. The tannic acid from the tea is wonderful for maintaining wood. Use placemats and trivets when serving hot meals. Then, rub an inconspicuous spot with a drop of dish detergent on a clean cloth to make sure it doesnt damage or stain the finish. If the detergent doesnt cause any problems, mix 2-3 drops with a cup of water. Bob Vila, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, 20 Incredible Ideas for a DIY Storage Bench, 15 As-Seen-on-TV Products That You Should Actually Buy, Sofa, So Good: 10 Creative Ways to Revive a Tired Old Couch, How Preservationists Are Cooling 7 Historic Landmarks. Take a soft cloth, wring it out in the tea until its damp and wash the wood. If you would like to partner with us for marketing opportunities, please email him here. Lisa Torelli-Sauer, editor at the home investment website Sensible Digs, likens dusting with a dry cloth to washing your face with sandpaper. Dry thoroughly. Youll be surprised at how the wood will shine. You want a damp cloth, not a wet one. Mineral spirits are safe for most wood finishes, but make sure to always test it on a hidden area and check for discoloration. You can use a bit of mineral spirits for a stubborn ink stain. Homeowners have long relished the beauty, versatility, and toughness of wood furnitureand above all, theyve appreciated its low maintenance. 2022 LoveToKnow Media. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference). 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Wet a cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol and wipe it over the moldy area. Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. 2022 Warner Bros. Its pretty rare to walk into a house and not find a stick of wood furniture inside. PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party togethereven when you're far apart. 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest. You'll also always want to test new cleansers or products in an inconspicuous spot before wiping down a whole table or chair. Join the party! Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Add 4 tea bags and allow them to steep for 15 minutes. Create a thick paste of baking soda and water. We recommend using our Buff Pro Microfiber Towels. Navas recommends you wipe a damp microfiber cloth over the affected surface to collect the stray particles. When you have older wood furniture, it takes a bit of TLC to keep it clean and looking like new. There are effective dust removal techniques that will protect your furniture and other surfaces from damage, and definitely end up doing a better job of actually removing the dust. Here are some tips on how to clean copper safely using ingredients commonly found in your kitchen. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. By using our site, you agree to our. This should give your wood a shiny, like-new finish without causing any damage. However, you need to ensure you care for your wood furniture properly, so it lasts a lifetime. Not only will wax help improve the appearance of your wood, but it will give your furniture a protective coating to prevent scratches and smudges. Start with the gentlest cleaner and move up to stronger ones as needed. But rather than getting mad, grab a bit of baking soda or toothpaste to remove water stains from the wood. Apply the wax liberally with a cheesecloth, always being sure to rub in the direction of the wood grain. The smooth, small fibers of microfiber will ensure no damage comes to your wood furniture, while also effectively absorbing any dirt and water on the surface. If you still see any dirty spots after you dry the wood, then you can repeat the process or try another method to get rid of it. Create a thick paste of baking soda and water. If you have a bit of mold or mildew on your furniture, you can try a bit of rubbing alcohol. You wont need any extra cleaning products or even water for a dust-free home! Though mineralspirits should be harmless to wood finishes, you should still test the treatment onan inconspicuous part of the furniture to make absolutely sure. Its very important to properly dilute your soap, you might even want to dilute it a little extra. For routine cleaning to get rid of dust, smears or fingerprints, simply wipe down your wooden pieces with a dry microfiber cloth. Here are the most effective ways of cleaning wood furniture: Dusting your wood furniture with a microfiber cloth is the easiest thing in the world. One-quart containers typically sell for $10 or $15 (view on Amazon). Photo by: Shutterstock/Yuliya Evstratenko. As you dust your wood table, you might notice a bit of grime. When you want to upkeep the finish of your wood furniture, avoid spraying the wood with polish. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. All you need is a tape measure and a little free time. Wood furniture really spices up your decor. Here's our recommended gentle cleaning process that will work to clean and protect a variety of wood furniture. Next, wipe the cotton ball on an inconspicuous part of the furniture, such as the inside of a chair leg. If on the other hand you are satisfied with the results of your cleaning efforts (or you dont want to refinish), you may wish to protect your furniture from future damage. What mistakes can I avoid when cleaning wood? Avoid these common upholstery cleaning blunders and keep your fabric furnishings looking their very best. % of people told us that this article helped them. For everyday care of wood furniture, you need: The first step to cleaning your wood furniture is dusting it. For stubborn stains, mix equal parts baking soda and toothpaste. When dealing with a specific stain, you don't have to refinish the wood piece completely or just live with it. Its important to dilute the vinegar with water as concentrated vinegar can discolor some wood finishes. Articles and tech tips on how to best use and care for your microfiber. If there is a lot of dust on the wood and a dry cloth doesnt do the trick, then you can wipe it down with a barely-damp microfiber cloth instead to get rid off all the dust. After cleaning your wood, you might want to consider re-oiling it once a month. All rights reserved. Afterward, buff with a clean cloth. Wooden pieces add a cozy touch to a home, with their rich grains and sturdy designs. Use a bristle brush to scrub away any mold. Consider using microfiber cloths to remove dust, dirt, grime, even mold! Never clean painted wood with mineral spirits or you will remove the paint. If you have a bit of a sticky mess going on, you can reach for the white vinegar. All rights reserved. So, you'll want to use methods for cleaning antique wood furniture. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. (You can also just add a dab of non-gel toothpaste.). By navigating the site, you consent to our use of cookies. Buff till shiny. Offers may be subject to change without notice. When that inevitable day comes, follow these steps to restore a wood finish to impeccable condition without inadvertently causing damage. If your wood furniture has any spots with sticky residue, add a drop of dish soap toa microfiber cloth and test a tiny, out-of-sightsection of the furniture to make sure the finish doesn't get removed. The most important thing to remember is to thoroughly dry. The split fibers of microfiber help to instantly trap dust as you wipe down your furniture. Youll likely need to refinish the piece to truly restore it. The acid can dull the finish. Now, your hard surfaces will be dust-free and scratch-free. Because every finish, stain, and type of woodis different,it's hard to have a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning. Mix water and dish soap in a bucket and use this solution to sponge down the entire piece of furniture. Grime and grease don't stand a chance with these tips for cleaning wood cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom. Learn how to care for hardwood floors by using these natural cleaners and following these simple tips. REMOVE DUST, GRIME, MOLD, & MILDEW, RECOMMENDED MICROFIBER CLOTHS FOR WOOD FURNITURE. ", https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-clean-wood-furniture, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-wood-furniture/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/clean-grime-woodwork. Proceeding in this way means that you can safely clean wood furniture without knowing precisely what youre dealing with. Use a dry cloth to wipe up any excess oil. This means that microfiber is able to effectively pick up most dust particles. Learn how to clean a variety of vacuum filter styles to keep your machine working its best. Scrape away as much residue as possible with an old credit card or plastic spatula. As an alternative to liquid dish detergent, you can use an oil soap. If the wood still looks dirty after trying several methods of cleaning it, then consider refinishing it to restore its shine. Your rag doesnt trap the dust; it just moves it around.. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Getting Rid of Grime with Mineral Spirits. Jennifer worked for five years as a housekeeper in a large hotel chain. Whether you've just got crumbs, or the toughest of stains, these cleaning tips will have your sofa looking as good as new. Then, you can proceed to clean the whole wood piece to restore its shine! If the test area shows no evidence of damage, its safe to proceed. You never want water to sit on the wood, so quickly wipe it down with another dry microfiber cloth. Learn how to clean water stains from wooden furniture. Take a second, clean cloth and dry the piece thoroughly. Repeat the process until youve cleaned the whole wood piece. Wipe the toothpaste off with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly. When buffing, the softer the microfiber cloth the better. Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. After youve cleaned the wood, then you can. Plus, get tips for removing tough stains, scuff marks and more. Again, avoid soakingthe wood in water. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Softer and more absorbent than your average microfiber towel, Prevent Cross Contamination - 16 color options, 21750 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out and wipe the entire piece. Read on for tips on getting rid of stubborn grime with mineral spirits! We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. But first, you need to gather up a few supplies. House Cleaning Professional. Avoid feather dusters, because they arent as effective and sometimes have sharp quills that may scratch the wood surface. Allow the paste to sit for up to 15 minutes. Clean and polish on any surface with just water! Let the wax paste sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes before buffing it in with a clean microfiber cloth. However, a good rule of thumb is tostart with the mildest cleaning solutions first and work your way up from there. Plus, find out how to remove water stains, oil, mold, ink and road salt from leather. This ensures you don't harm the wood, especially if it is a precious family heirloom. Kitchn is a source of inspiration for a happier, healthier life in your kitchen. If your wood furniture has light mold or mildew, the above steps will work just fine. Refresh your home with stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors. This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. For a more thorough job, to cover more surface area, or to get to harder-to-reach areas, you can use the dusting tool or hose attachment on your vacuum. Our commitment to clean, safe and healthy environments. Be sure to finish the job by wiping a dry microfiber over the area you cleaned, as you dont want any remnants of water damaging your wood. Be sure to test the mixture first in a hidden area of the wood to make sure it does not damage the finish. You gave your wood table a good cleaning with a bit of soap, but it wasn't enough. Drop the dry rag. A bit more detergent or less water wont affect how it cleans. If the detergent mars the finish in your test area, then continue without the dish soap. You will be able to see within a couple of minutes if the solution damages the finish at all. This helps ensure the mold does not grow back. Dont miss out on our newsletter, featuring all the latest stories and products we love. For example, dish soaps used for hand washing are more mild than ones used in dishwashers. Finally, make sure to clean a test spot in an inconspicuous area before using a product on the entire area to avoid potential, irreversible damage to the wood. If the finish stands up to the alcohol, its probably oil, lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane. If you are certain of your wood furniture finishpaint, stain,or some other treatmentthen use a cleaning method appropriate for that specific wood finish. Add a drop of liquid dish soap to a water-moistened cotton ball. Wipe the wooden object down with a dry microfiber cloth to remove loose dust and dirt. If there are any cracks, such as decorative carved areas, then you can use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub inside them. You might need to consider refinishing the piece. Add a bit of mineral spirits to the cloth. You dont want to soak the wood while you are cleaning it, so its important that the cloth isnt dripping wet. Find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Dip a microfiber cloth in the tea and wipe down the wood with the grain. Raymond Chiu. Mineral spirits are also known more commonly as paint thinner. Instead, brush the sponge lightly over the surface and dont let the liquid linger for long.