The Handy Guide to Cleaning Your Wooden Furniture

Unmasking the Wood Cleaning Mystery: Identifying The Finish

Every home décor lover knows well that there is nothing quite like the natural, elegant charm of wooden furniture. However, maintaining and cleaning wooden furniture isn't as straightforward as clearing the dust off. Instead, it requires special care to maintain that lustrous sheen and ensure longevity. If you feel at sea about the do's and don'ts, you've landed at the right place. Our handy guide to cleaning your wooden furniture will provide you with a step-by-step breakdown for pristine results.

Step Up Your Game-Learn the Wood Cleaning Basics

Before we dive deep into cleaning specifics, it's key to understand that the finish of your wooden furniture, and not the wood type itself, determines how it should be cleaned. For instance, the procedure used to clean a shellac finish would likely differ from how you'd tidy up a polyurethane finish. Therefore, identifying the finish is the first step in your wooden furniture cleaning journey.

Keep Dusting Regular

After you've discerned the finish of your wooden furniture, familiarizing yourself with the golden rules of wood cleaning will set the stage for the upcoming specific tasks.

Avoid Overwetting

Keeping your wooden furniture dust-free is fundamental. Consider dusting your furniture weekly with soft, dry cloths or feather dusters. Dust particles might seem harmless, but when gathered over time, they can scratch the finish in a way similar to sandpaper, thereby dulling the sheen.

Stay Away from Harsh Cleaners

When cleaning wood, less water is more. Excessive moisture can result in warping or staining. The best approach? Use a lightly damp cloth for cleaning, followed by immediate drying using a soft, dry cloth.

Put on the Gloves: Deep Cleaning Wooden Furniture

Some commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, that can strip the finish off your wooden furniture. Your best bet? Opt for cleaners specifically formulated for wooden furniture, like Murphy's Oil Soap.

Solution for Surface Scratches

Now, let's delve into specific methods of deep-cleaning your wooden furniture. It's worth mentioning that it's generally a good idea to deep-clean your furniture twice a year to maintain its lustre.

Cleaning with Dish Soap

Surface scratches can take away the charm of your wooden furniture. Good news? You can fix them! Regarded by cleaners as a time-tested trick, using a blend of olive oil and vinegar can help camouflage these scratches. Just ensure to wipe it off after a few minutes.

Reviving the Shine with Mayonnaise

Gentle dish soap can play an integral role when it comes to deep cleaning. Dilute it in warm water, dampen the cloth, and gently clean the wooden surface. Ensure to promptly dry the surface afterward!

Final Thoughts: Embrace Care and Enjoy Durability

You'd be surprised to know about the mighty cleaning power of mayonnaise for wooden furniture. A small dollop can help remove old stains! Just rub a bit of it onto the stain, leave it on overnight and wipe it off the next day.

With its timeless elegance and sturdy nature, wooden furniture adds value and aesthetic appeal to any space. The key to maintaining its beauty lies in regular care and gentle, correct cleaning techniques. By incorporating the steps mentioned in this handy guide, you'll not only have cleaner furniture but also an ambiance that exudes warmth and coziness.

Happy cleaning!