Wood furniture is beautiful asset to any home and can complete any design plan. It is an investment that you will want to care for in order to prolong the life of your furniture. The challenge you may have is that wood furniture can be the hardest to clean due to the fact that it is highly susceptible to stains and grime. Oils, dust and elements in the air can build up over time if left for too long. They can be hard to remove and can tarnish the wood and your piece will lose its luster and shine.
It is important to use a cleaner that is formulated for your wood furniture. Utilizing a hardwood floor cleaner could damage your wooden piece and destroy the finish. There are many options for polishing, removing stains and water rings, and bringing back life into your wooden furniture. Some you will find in your pantry and then some you will find on your next shopping trip.
Let’s start with what we can find in our homes. These options are fairly inexpensive and are environmentally friendly.
Microfiber cloth
The most simple and convenient way to clean your wood furniture is a microfiber cloth. You can simply grab and dust every day if needed. The soft fibers of the cloth grab the dust particles that build up on surfaces and small corners of your furniture. These cloths are versatile because you don’t have to use chemicals or even water. And you simply toss them in laundry and you are ready to reuse them again and again.
Dish soap
If you are looking for a cleaner that won’t strip away the finish of your furniture, but will clean the grime and dirt, then a mild dish soap is the answer. Mix dish soap with water and dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture to remove those pesky, sticky spots on your wooden pieces. Remember not to add too much of the mixture or to get the cloth too wet, as it may soak into the wood and leave a water mark behind. Once you have cleaned the spot, simply wipe clean with a dry cloth and let air dry.
White vinegar
White vinegar has been so many uses in the home, why not for sticky messes on your wood furniture. Without stripping your finish, vinegar will remove the stain or sticky spot, help polish the wood to make it look new again and no residue left behind. All you need is a microfiber cloth and white vinegar. To clean your wood furniture, wipe away any dust with the cloth, add a small amount of vinegar to the sticky spot and let soak for a few minutes. Then, wipe off vinegar and let air dry.
Tea water
To remove old polish and give new life to your furniture, boil 2-4 tea bags and allow the water to cool. Dampen a microfiber cloth and scrub away the old polish. This process may need to be repeated a time or two to reach the desired results. Once you are satisfied, dry the wood and apply a new coat of polish. Your wood furniture will look as good as new.
Toothpaste
Water stains are an unsightly and stubborn stain. One may think that they will just have to live with the stain for as long as they have the piece of furniture. But luckily, that is not the case. A useful little trick is to apply non-gel toothpaste to the water stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. When time is up, gently scrub the toothpaste with a microfiber towel or toothbrush, and wipe clean with a new microfiber towel.
Once you have exhausted the cleaning solutions that you have in your home, you may need to go to the next level and experiment with a cleaner that is formulated for your specific wood furniture. We have found a few of the best items that will help you preserve your furniture. Let’s quickly go through some of these name brand options.
Best overall polish
The Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine is a top pick for polish. It is easy to use, cleans really well, and leaves a scent that is pleasant without being overpowering. This spray is good for any finished wood items, such as chairs, cabinets, doors, tables, even small items.
Unfinished Wood
Howard Feed -N-Wax Wood Polish & Conditioner is a perfect option for your unfinished wood furniture. Since most furniture polishes work on finished wood only, it is nice to have an option that will work on both finished and unfinished. This product will create a protective coating on the wood since it is formulated with carnauba and beeswax. With this polish, you will not only condition and moisturize, but keep surfaces from getting scratched and dented.
Best oil
If you are looking to clean and condition your wood furniture, then Old English Wood Conditioner & Cleaner is an excellent choice. It is safe for light and dark woods, and will leave behind a shiny finish. As you work it into the grain, you will notice the oil bringing out the color of your wood furniture. Wood furniture can dull and lose its luster over time. Utilizing an oil will bring new life back into your wooden piece.
Best wood cleaner wipes
Murphy Oil Soft Wipes are perfect for those quick cleaning jobs around the house. They are ideal for wiping down bookcases, end tables, cabinets and doors. They are portable and time-saving. These convenient disposable wipes are moisturizing without harming the finish of your wood furniture.
Protecting and keeping your furniture from harmful dust and grime is easy with just a few simple steps and the right product. Your wood furniture is an investment that you will want to treasure for many years to come.