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How to Clean Wood Furniture at Home?
In this complete guide, we will learn the important methods and practical tips for keeping wood furniture clean. We will start from the gentle dusting skills. Then we will move on to the more complex processes of stain and mold removal. By doing so, we ensure that each piece of furniture will continue to add elegance to your home in the coming years.
Table of content
Know Your Wood Furniture Before You Begin
Wood Types
Hardwoods are more durable and have fewer pores. So they can bear more vigorous cleaning and are less likely to absorb liquids and get damaged. Softwoods are more delicate and need to be cleaned more gently with less liquid.
Finishes
Lacquered furniture has a hard and smooth surface, which makes it easy to clean. Lacquered furniture is stain-resistant and has a sleek look, but scratches are very visible and it can be difficult to repair them. Stained wood has added color, but the stain may fade or wear off. Unfinished wood has a natural look, but it is porous and is prone to staining and damage from too much moisture.
Age of the Furniture
Older furniture, especially antiques, may have a delicate or original finish that requires special care. The wood might be more brittle. Newer furniture usually has more modern finishes and is more resistant to some cleaning agents.
How Often Should You Clean Wood Furniture?
Simple Cleaning
For furniture in high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen, it's advisable to dust at least once a week. For less-used furniture, dusting every two to three weeks is enough. If there are only slight smudges or marks, you can do spot-cleaning as needed.
Deep Cleaning
Depending on the usage and the environment, you might need to do a deep clean every three to six months. If the furniture is in a particularly dirty or dusty environment, or if it's used frequently (such as a dining table), it may require more frequent cleaning, perhaps every three months.For furniture that's used less often and is in a cleaner environment, a deep clean every six months might be sufficient.
Signs That You Need to Do a Deep Clean:
When you notice a build-up of polish or wax that makes the surface look dull or cloudy. When there are stubborn stains that can't be removed by simple cleaning methods, like deep-set ink stains or water rings that have been there for a while. When wood furniture has a lot of dirt that can't be removed by just dusting and light wiping.
How to Dust Wood Furniture?
To dust wood furniture, first, get a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, or a small, soft-bristled brush.
Start from the top of the furniture and then wipe downwards. Gently wipe the surface and use the brush to gently clean the small spaces. Make sure to clean all parts of the furniture, including the sides and the legs. Don't forget to clean the cloth or the brush often so that they work well.
How to Polish Wood Furniture
Prepare the Furniture and Polish
First, make sure your furniture is clean and free of dust and debris. You can use a commercial wood polish, but you need to choose one that's suitable for the type of wood and its finish. Read the instructions on the product carefully.You can also make natural polish. For example, you can mix olive oil and lemon juice in a small ratio, like 1:10.
Apply Polish
Put the polish on a clean, soft cloth. Don't put the polish directly on the furniture.Usually, you spray the polish onto the cloth or pour a little onto it. Then, rub the polish onto the furniture following the direction of the wood grain.This helps to fill in small scratches and gives the furniture a nice shine. Be careful not to use too much polish, because it can leave a sticky residue.
Let it Dry and Buff
After you've polished the furniture, let it sit for a while so that the polish can dry and set. Then, use a clean, soft cloth to buff the furniture. This will make the furniture look even shinier and the surface smoother.
Frequency of Polishing
The frequency of polishing depends on how often you use the furniture and the type of wood. Furniture that's used a lot may need to be polished once every 3 months. Furniture that's not used as much can be polished once every 6 months.
How to clean stains from wood furniture?
Light Stains
For light stains like water marks or slight food spills, mix a few drops of mild dish soap (preferably non-abrasive) with warm water. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution, then wring it out thoroughly so that the cloth is just damp, not soaking wet. Gently wipe the stained area along the direction of the wood grain. After cleaning, immediately wipe the area with a dry cloth to remove any soap residue.
Stubborn Stains
Ink Stains: First, test a small amount of rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won't damage the surface. If it's safe, apply a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and carefully dab at the ink stain. Grease and Food Stains: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water into a thin paste. Apply the paste to the stain, gently wipe it off with a soft cloth until the stain disappears. Then, wipe the area with a clean, wet cloth to remove any residue and dry it with a soft cloth.
Deep-Seated Stains
For stubborn, deep-seated stains that can't be removed by the above methods, you may need to consider refinishing the affected area. This is a more involved process that usually requires sanding the area and applying a new finish. But this should be the last resort as it may change the appearance of the furniture and may require some skills to do it properly.
How to clean mold from wood furniture?
Safety First
Wear gloves and a mask before you start. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, so it's important to protect yourself.
Isolate and Ventilate
Move the affected furniture to a well - ventilated area if possible, like outdoors. If you can't move it outside, open all the windows and use fans to improve air circulation around the furniture. This helps to prevent the spread of mold spores in other parts of your home.
Dry the Furniture
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off as much visible mold as you can. Then, let the furniture dry completely. You can speed up the drying process by using a dehumidifier if the furniture is in a damp environment.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Make a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. For example, if you use 1 cup of bleach, you should use 10 cups of water. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution and wring it out well so that the cloth is damp but not dripping.
Clean the Affected Area
Gently wipe the mold - affected area with the damp cloth, making sure to cover all the areas with mold. Let the solution sit in the woods for about 15 minutes. This helps to kill the mold.
Rinse and Dry
After 15 minutes, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area with plain water to remove the bleach solution. Then, immediately dry the area thoroughly with a dry cloth. You may need to repeat the cleaning process if the mold is still present.
Prevent Future Mold Growth
To keep mold from coming back, keep the wood furniture in a dry environment. You can use a dehumidifier in damp rooms and avoid placing the furniture in areas prone to moisture, like basements without proper waterproofing.
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