Classic wooden furniture never goes out of style and is often used as family heirlooms and flea market finds in country, vintage and mid-century modern styles. However, cleaning wooden furniture can also be frustrating. Over time, they tend to become dirty, which cannot be removed with a duster. And even when you try to clean wooden furniture, sometimes shiny streaks remain. To keep wooden furniture looking its best, you need to carry out special cleaning tasks from time to time. Although experts have different opinions on how to care for wooden furniture, the technique you use depends on the surface of the piece. Read on to learn how to make wooden furnitureclean and maintainand to get care tips that will keep old wooden furniture looking like new.
Clean real wood furniture – dust properly and often
One of the most important things you can do to care for your wooden furniture is to dust it regularly. Dusting should be done at least once a week, but if you live in a dusty area or have pets, you may need to do it more often.
For proper dusting, use a microfiber cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe gently in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the surface. If there is stubborn dirt, you can slightly moisten the cloth. Just be careful not to get it soaked, as too much moisture can damage the wood.
For larger pieces of furniture, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Here too, make sure that youdo not scratch the surfaceand vacuum in the direction of the grain.
Clean and care for wooden furniture: Use natural products
When cleaning, you should avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners as they can damage the wood. Instead, opt for home remedies like mild soap or white vinegar solution.
Refresh wooden furniture with white vinegar and essential oil
To make a natural cleaning solution, mix 250 ml of water with 60 ml of white vinegar. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to create a pleasant scent. Givethe solution in a spray bottle and cleanUse it to clean the surface of your furniture. Then wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Clean natural wood furniture with dishwashing detergent
If you want to use soap, choose a mild dishwashing detergent and mix it with water. Pour the solution into a spray bottleand clean with itYour furniture. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
To clean hard-to-reach areas like carvings and intricate details, use a toothbrush or cotton swab.
Remove stains from wood: get the wooden table, wooden cabinet and wooden chairs clean
When treating stains on wooden furniture, the rule of thumb is to:with the gentlest cleanerstarts and then works its way up.
- Finished wood
Drink traces:For liquid drink marks or other sticky stains, dip a cloth in a mixture of mild soapy water and wipe away the stains. Be sure to dry the wood quickly so that no water residue remains.
- Untreated wood
Water stains:Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of salt and a few drops of water andwear them with a damp clothon the stain. Rub the stain in circular motions. Remove the paste from the wood and wipe it off. Dry the piece of furniture with a clean towel.
- For both
Scratch:Do you have any old crayons lying around? Take the pen that matches the color of your wooden furniture and fill in the scratches seamlessly. Then buff the area to smooth it.
Tintenflecken:Make a paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and apply a small amount to ink stains. Buff the stain with a toothbrush. Then wipe the area with a damp cloth and dry it.
Clean and care for dark and white wooden furniture: Avoid direct sunlight and heat
Exposing your wooden furniture to direct sunlight and heat can cause it to fade and discolor. To protect your furniture, keep it away from windows and direct sunlight. If this cannot be avoided, close the curtains or blinds during the day. You should also avoid placing your furniture near heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators. The sudden change in temperature can cause the wood to crack or warp.
Clean, maintain and polish wooden furniture - oil and black tea as care products
If you regularly use purchased furniture polish, a dirty layer can form over time, which will become noticeable in the form of streaks or cloudiness. To keep your furniture smooth and shiny, start by boiling water. Steep two black tea bags in the boiling water. Once the water has cooled to room temperature, dip a cloth into the water. Wring out the rag and use it to wash your wooden furniture. The tannic acid contained in tea helps preserve the natural shine of the wood and breaks down dull or crusty residue.
If you're short on time, you can make a simple mixture of one part white vinegar and three parts olive oil. Spray this mixture onto a rag and apply it to the wood in small circles.
If your furniture is clear of dirt but your wood appears dry, add a dab of olive oil to a paper towel and lightly buff the surface. This moisturizes the wood and gives it a radiant shine.
