Start with a simple dusting to remove debris and prevent scratching. To do so, you’ll need a tool that will trap dust instead of spreading it around or sending it airborne. Anything lint-free will work, such as a cloth or a cotton T-shirt, or you can use a feather duster or a dusting cloth, particularly for cleaning more detailed pieces.
Once dusting is complete, make sure your furniture is dry. Then, it’s time to remove dirt, take care of wax build-up, and tackle scuffs, stains, and marks.
Mix and Test Your Cleaning Solution
Before cleaning your wood furniture item, test how it reacts to your cleaning solution to ensure you won’t damage the finish. A tried-and-true wood cleaner for your furniture is dish soap. Mix a few drops with four to five cups of warm water to create a mild detergent. Test your solution with a cotton ball or Q-Tip in an inconspicuous part of the furniture. If the solution doesn’t cause any damage, you can start cleaning.
Wipe Down the Wood Surface
Photo: Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Next, use a clean cloth to wipe down your furniture with the cleaning solution. Don’t soak your wood furniture while cleaning. Use a sponge or cloth and wring it out thoroughly so that it’s damp, not wet or dripping. Wipe things down gently to clean, then dry quickly and thoroughly to avoid water damage.
If you need a heavier cleaner to get rid of the grime, try mineral spirits. It’s inexpensive, widely available, and can help restore the finish of wood furniture to a healthy shine. To start, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated. Mineral spirits can produce potent fumes, and it’s flammable, so be very careful where you set your used rags. Then, grab an absorbent cloth and dampen it. You’ll want the mineral spirit-soaked cloth to be wet, but not dripping. Wipe down your furniture, then wipe away with a clean cloth.
Banish Polish and Grime Build-Up
If your wood furniture shows signs of polish and grime build-up that your cleaning solution can’t banish, try using black tea. The tannins in this household beverage work great for cutting through waxy build-up on wood.
Brew a few black tea bags in hot water, and let them cool. Then, dampen a clean cloth with the tea and start wiping. Wring out your cleaning cloth as needed, and dry the surface with a different clean cloth as you go.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to stain wood furniture with various substances. If someone was careless with a water glass on your wood furniture, toothpaste can help remove unsightly rings. Grab a tube of the non-gel variety and rub it on a soft cloth. Buff gently on the water stain until it disappears, then wipe away any residue with a soft, clean cloth.
For tricky ink stains, mix equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste, or try a solution of baking soda and warm water to form a paste. Rub this on the stain, then gently buff away and wipe clean.
If you need to remove sticky residue left behind by stickers or glue, gently scrape away what you can using a credit card. Then rub with a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to remove the mess.
Refresh the Hardware
Handles and knobs are part of your wood furniture, too. Give these features a refresher by removing them from the furniture, then soaking them in a mild soapy solution.
"This step can absolutely change the look of a piece of furniture,” said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “Oftentimes, homeowners cannot believe how great it looks once the hardware has been washed. It’s a more cost efficient solution than replacing the hardware."
For tough tarnish, you can also try a mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe down each piece thoroughly, buff as needed, then replace. If you can’t remove the hardware, spray the pieces with mild soapy water, buff, and dry immediately.
Once your furniture is sparkling clean, you can protect it to maintain the finish and keep things shiny. Use a furniture wax or polish to preserve your hard work. Place a small amount onto a clean, soft cloth, and rub it gently into the surface of the wood, following the direction of the wood grain. Finish by buffing it with a clean, dry cloth.
Cleaning your furniture can be relatively easy, but if you’re cleaning antique wood furniture, it may be best to hire a professional furniture cleaner. Don’t attempt any deep cleaning methods on an antique wood furniture piece yourself because deep polishing or cleaning can affect the finish and significantly reduce its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your wood furniture is sticky after already cleaning it, it’s likely from using too many polishes or waxes. You’ll need to remove some of the excess wax with a cloth and warm water mixed with dish soap. You can then reapply the wax or polish afterwards, but try to use a much smaller amount and wipe away any excess.
A cloudy film on top of a wooden surface usually means either the incorrect cleaner was used or there is polish buildup. You’ll need to start over again and remove the surface cleaner with a damp rag and some water and dish soap. Be careful not to leave the wood surface wet as this could cause water damage.
High humidity and moisture are the main causes of wood furniture damage, which cause it to warp or crack. You’ll always want to quickly clean and dry any spilled liquids on wood. Make sure you’re storing your furniture in dry places unless it’s been weather treated—that means your outdoor patio may not be the best spot for your antique side table.
