How To Clean Wooden Furniture: Essential Tips You Must Know
“Each piece of wooden furniture is unique, hence, one needs to pay extra attention to it.”
The beauty of wood furniture is not only in its design. It is in its ability to age with us, to collect our stories, and adorn our rooms. However, such durability cannot be achieved on its own. It demands extensive work, requiring one to know how to clean wooden furniture with great care and precaution. But, many people do know how to clean wooden furniture at home. This guide helps you with tips and tricks you must know about cleaning your furniture.
Why Is Furniture Cleaning Important?
Wood, as a material, is quite sensitive to its surroundings. It absorbs moisture, collects dust, and shows signs of low maintenance more readily than other materials. This is why we must care for or clean wooden furniture regularly.
Preserves natural grain and finish: Prolonged exposure to dust and dirt can cause the natural beauty and depth of wooden furniture to fade over time. Routine cleaning ensures the natural grain and finish of our furniture stays intact.
Prevents structural damage: You must have noticed when wooden furniture absorbs moisture they swell, warp, or crack. Hence, it is essential to clean or dry appropriately.
Increases lifespan: It is evident that with proper care the lifespan of our furniture extends, ensuring it continues to be both functional and beautiful.
Contributes to a healthier living environment: Our furniture directly affects our health and environment. Dust and mould build-up on the furniture can affect the indoor air quality, leading to health issues. That is why routine maintenance is important.
Increases aesthetic value: As one can understand, well-maintained furniture enhances the beauty of our living space.
Now that we understand the importance of cleaning wooden furniture, let us move to cleaning supplies one might need to clean their furniture.
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Cleaning Supplies to Clean Wooden Furniture
A significant part of furniture cleaning depends on the tools and supplies we use to clean them. To understand better, wood is a natural material that reacts fast to chemicals, heat, or moisture. Because of its porous nature wood readily absorbs excessive moisture. Further, improper care can lead to scratches, warping, and faded finishes on the furniture.
Hence, when cleaning wooden furniture we must use the following supplies:
Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths have soft, fine fibres that remove dust particles without damaging the surface of the furniture.
Soft-bristled brushes: Because of their soft bristles, these brushes are good for cleaning the intricate carvings or detailing on the furniture.
Mild soap solution: Mild soap solution do not have abrasive chemicals, hence, they are perfect for occasional deeper cleaning.
Vinegar solution: Vinegar solution is good for removing stubborn grime. However, mix equal parts of vinegar with water and olive oil to clean or remove stains. Do not use this on wax, oil finishes, or raw wood.
Wood cleaner and polish: Cleaners and polish are excellent options to restore the original sheen of your wooden furniture. They also add a protective coating.
How To Clean Wooden Furniture at Home?
Equipped with all the essential cleaning supplies, let us dive in and understand how to clean wooden furniture at home. Different types of furniture finish requires different types of care.
1. How To Clean Painted Furniture
Painted wooden furniture comes in versatile colours, adding a tone of warmth and character to our spaces. However, the painted finish on the furniture can chip easily if not cared for in the right way.
To clean painted wooden furniture:
Clean your furniture with a dry, soft cloth to remove any dust particles.
To remove any stains, use a damp cloth to get it out. However, do not forget to dry your furniture after that.
Do not use hard brushes, it may scratch or remove the painted surface of the furniture.
If the furniture is not to be used for a long time, it should not be kept in a humid environment or in front of the sun.
2. How To Clean Oiled Furniture
Oiled wooden furniture is treated with synthetic or natural oils to prevent moisture, dryness, or stains. It gives a matte, shiny look to the furniture. As aesthetic as it looks, oiled furniture requires regular maintenance. But, how to clean wooden furniture at home:
To clean oiled furniture:
Clean the furniture surface gently with minimal moisture. Use a soft, well-wrung damp cloth with plain water or a mild soap solution. Always follow with a dry cloth to prevent moisture absorption.
Wipe liquids right away to avoid any water rings or marks. To remove stubborn stains, re-apply a suitable furniture oil evenly across the surface.
To keep the furniture new looking, reapply a matching furniture oil to maintain protection. A simple water-drop test can help determine when oiling is needed.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based solutions, and excessive water to clean the furniture. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and fluctuating humidity.
Make sure to use coasters, mats, and protective layers to prevent stains and heat damage.
Also read: Best Wall Clock in India for Homes and Offices
3. How To Clean Polished Furniture
Polished wooden furniture is treated with a coat of wax, polish, or oil. It gives a shiny aesthetic look to the furniture. Given its smooth and shiny surface, the specks of dust or marks are easily visible.
To clean polished furniture:
Dust the polished furniture regularly to maintain its sheen.
Use a good quality wood cleaner and polish to give it a glossy finish.
Apply wood cleaner and polish sparingly on the wooden furniture to avoid stickiness.
Remember to always clean in the direction of the grain for a flawless finish.
Keep the furniture away from the sun to avoid fading or discoloration of the wood.
4. How To Clean Woven Furniture
Woven wooden furniture adds a new dimension of texture and craftsmanship to the decor. However, the woven texture demands a more precise cleaning mechanism.
Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for dusting the woven wooden furniture.
Dampen a cloth and use it for cleaning the woven wooden furniture. Do not forget to use a dry cloth afterwards to avoid moisture build-up.
Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt or dust from the crevices or small nooks.
When cleaning woven furniture use mild soap or detergent solution with warm water to remove any stains or grease marks. You can also use specialized wood cleaner and polish to remove any stains.
Regularly check for wear, loosening, or dirt accumulation on the woven wooden furniture.
Also read: 5 Reasons Why Plastic Wall Clocks Are Perfect for Every Home
How to Remove Mould From Wood Furniture
A little moisture in the air and we start wondering how to remove mould from wood furniture. Mould build-up is one of the most common issues occurring in wooden furniture. The build-up happens because of high humidity, moisture, and poor ventilation. Hence, it is important to understand how to remove mould from furniture to ensure it does not ruin the look of your furniture.
To remove mould from your furniture, mix equal amounts water and white vinegar or water and mild dish soap to make a cleaning solution.
Before applying the solution to the entire furniture, do a patch test. Apply the solution to a small patch to check for any negative reactions.
Gently cleanse the mouldy spots with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers to remove persistent statins.
Once done, clean with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry the furniture properly, as moisture residue can lead to more damage.
You may need to lightly sand the damaged areas if the mould is deep. Be careful not to create scratches when softly sanding to get rid of the mould.
Knowing how to clean wooden furniture at home is not just about care but about a deliberate and preventive approach.
When Cared For, Wooden Furniture Last Long
As we age, so do our wooden furniture. They reflect the passage of time, the space they inhabit, and the care they receive. Each polish and careful wipe contributes to their story.
With this guide, you learn how to clean wooden furniture and understand its nature. How can Comfort Halt help you? We provide an extensive range of home furniture with specific care instructions for beautiful homes.
