Cleaning and maintaining wooden furniture will make your furniture last for years. You should clean and maintain them with gentle cleaning and care products such as beeswax, vinegar and pure soap. These agents can revive heavily used furniture and give it natural shine. You will be surprised how much difference you can make with these inexpensive home and garden remedies.
Cleaning wooden furniture
When cleaning wooden furniture, use soapy water with mild soap (for example, liquid green soap). Remember not to get raw surfaces too wet. An almost dry cloth with soapy water is perfect. For unworked softwood (spruce and pine), use cold water and soap, as hot water can turn this wood yellow.
Wooden furniture should be cleaned regularly to remove dust, fingerprints and other contaminants. Use a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent, such as a special wood furniture cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface of the wood. Always dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth after cleaning.
Clean wood furniture with vinegar and oil
Give raw surfaces new luster with a mixture of half olive oil and half vinegar. Apply it with a soft cloth, let it dry and the wood will regain its original luster.
Furniture wax
Furniture wax is very suitable for unfinished or lightly finished wood. It protects and nourishes, fills in scratches and gives the wood a soft sheen.
It is best to use a wax that contains beeswax. Never use liquid wax. The substances in it can soften and remove older coats of wax. Dust the wood well and clean it with a damp cloth so that the wax application does not scratch the wood. Apply the wax with the grain of the wood. Allow the wax to dry thoroughly and then rub it out with a soft dry cloth.
Wood with a coat of lacquer
Wipe lacquered wood with a slightly damp cloth. Watch out with harsh cleaning agents and substances that can dissolve the lacquer coating such as nail polish remover.
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Protecting wooden furniture
Do not place wooden furniture in direct sunlight or near a heater, as this can change the color of the wood and cause it to dry out and shrink. Also, use cloth under damp glasses or jars and place a placemat under hot objects, such as a coffee cup. It is also wise to treat the wood regularly with a special wood furniture care product to maintain its natural look and protection.
Wood furniture maintenance – tips
- Wooden furniture will last longer if it is not left in the sun. UV radiation bleaches and damages wood and fabric upholstery.
- Don’t put your good wood furniture in very dry or very humid areas. Because wood expands and shrinks, it will crack here.
- Do not put good wood furniture near radiators or other heat sources such as a fireplace. Heat can cause the wood to crack.
- Protect wooden surfaces with coasters and felts.
Scratches and dents
If you see scratches or dents on your wooden furniture, you can repair them with a special wooden furniture repair product. Use the product according to the instructions and rub it in until it is fully absorbed. Then let it dry and polish with a soft, clean cloth.
In general, wooden furniture should be cleaned and maintained regularly to maintain its quality and natural appearance. By cleaning your furniture regularly, you can ensure that your wooden furniture will look great for years to come.
Would you like to buy cleaning supplies to clean your wooden furniture? Then check the map below for stores near you.
