HOW TO CLEAN WOOD FURNITURE

You might dust and shine your wood furniture regularly, but over time those polishes and dust combine to leave a dark film on the tables, chairs, and leaves. To keep your furniture looking its best you should have periodic clean-ups.

To clean your furniture begin by dusting to remove surface dirt and then remove light soiling. Begin with the gentlest cleaner then move up to stronger ones as required. Try mixing a weak solution of water and washing soap. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out, and clean the entire surface. You want a damp cloth, not a wet one and don’t saturate the table with water; have a second dry cloth to clean along.

If your wood furniture is stained or has other problems, below are ways to clean it.

REMOVE OLD POLISH

Knowing how to clean old wood furniture with decades-old buildup of polish will revitalize an antique. Steep two tea bags in boiling water, allow to cool to room temperature, take a soft cloth and wring until the tea is out then washed the wood. The tannic acid from tea is wonderful for maintaining wood, and you will be surprised how well it would shine after this treatment.

REMOVE WATER STAINS

To remove water stains from wood put some non-gel toothpaste on the sport and rub with a soft cloth until the stain is gone. If the stain proves stubborn mix equal parts of baking soda and tooth paste, wipe off with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

ERASE DIFFICULT MARKS

To remove ink marks, mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of water into a thin paste. Apply on the stain and rub gently with a soft cloth until the stain disappears. Wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Once your furniture is clean, wipe with a layer of wood polish to preserve the finish then add shine. You can use commercially prepared lemon oil, pour it on a soft cloth and work into the wood, wiping along the grain. Knowing how to clean wood furniture will help keep your possessions looking lovely and help them last longer.