cleaning wooden furniture
A beautiful wood table or coffee table can elevate your home’s decor, but it’s important to care for wooden furniture correctly to ensure it stays pristine and looking its best. From removing smudges and fingerprints to deep cleaning, the right techniques and products can keep your wooden furnishings in top condition.
Whether you have Sheesham, mango or other type of wooden furniture, proper maintenance and regular cleaning will help prevent scratches, warping and fading over time. Wooden pieces that are unfinished or have a light stain need more care because they can absorb more liquid than finished wood. They are also more susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s important to use a light soap solution when cleaning and dry the surface completely afterward.
The first step in the process of cleaning wood furniture is to dust it. Regularly, about once a week, go over the entire piece, including the legs and arms of smaller wood supports, to remove loose dirt. A microfiber cloth or feather duster is a good option, but you can also purchase an electrostatic duster like Swiffer that can trap and hold dirt to eliminate the need for additional cleaning products.
What are the steps involved in cleaning wooden furniture?
Once the furniture is thoroughly dusted, use a damp cloth to wipe away sticky messes. Wipe up hardened ice cream drips, dried-on pizza sauce and other mealtime souvenirs before they dull the finish. If a sticky residue is left behind, try a few drops of oil-based soap or olive oil on a cloth and wipe the spot in the direction of the grain. If the residue persists, try mineral spirits on a small section of the furniture (and test in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish).
Beyond its aesthetic allure, wooden furniture boasts remarkable durability and longevity. When properly cared for, high-quality wooden pieces can last for generations, becoming cherished heirlooms passed down through families. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, which often succumb to wear and tear over time, wooden furniture possesses a timeless quality that only grows more distinguished with age.
Moreover, wooden furniture offers unparalleled versatility, effortlessly complementing a wide range of design schemes and architectural styles. Whether adorning a cozy cottage retreat or a sleek urban loft, wooden furnishings seamlessly integrate into diverse environments, infusing them with warmth, sophistication, and a touch of natural allure. From classic Windsor chairs to contemporary Scandinavian-inspired designs, the versatility of wooden furniture knows no bounds.
Regularly polish or wax your wood furniture to maintain its luster. However, if you are over-polishing or waxing, the product can build up and eventually dull or damage the finish. To remove this buildup, try one of two methods: The tannic acid in black tea can cut through the waxy residue, says Poepping. Dampen a clean, soft cloth in plain water and wring it until it is only slightly damp. Start at the top of your furniture and work down, rewringing the cloth often. When the surface is completely dry, buff it with a second cloth to shine the surface. If the furniture is in serious need of a clean, you can also try rubbing alcohol or methylated spirit.