Wood furniture can be beautiful, timeless, and even passed down for generations. But to keep it in good condition, you need to know how to clean wooden furniture.

Let us run you through everything you need to know about cleaning wooden furniture; from regular touch ups to deep cleaning, stain removal, and more!

Routine Cleaning of Wood Furniture: The Best Ways to Clean Wooden Furniture

Your wood furniture should be a part of your regular cleaning routine, which means small maintenance done frequently.

Here’s how to clean wooden furniture as you go:

Spills Happen! Here’s How to Clean Them Up Quickly

If you’ve spilt something on your wooden furniture, the key is to act quickly to avoid staining or discolouration.

All you need to do is wipe the spill with a microfibre cloth, and use a wood cleaner if necessary.

Dust Busting: Regular Dusting Tips for Your Wooden Pieces

To avoid lovely wooden furniture looking old and drab, be sure to dust it often. You can use a special duster or a microfibre cloth to wipe dust off most of your furniture, and perhaps a small, soft brush to reach into nooks and crannies.

Be sure not to use anything too harsh, to avoid leaving scratches and abrasions.

Grime Time: Removing Heavy Grime Without Damaging Your Furniture

To banish grime from wooden furniture, grab some mild dish soap and mix it with warm water.

Dip a soft cloth in the soapy mix and gently wipe the wood, going with the grain. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, and make sure it’s dry to keep your furniture looking great.

Deep Cleaning of Wood Furniture: Bring Back the Shine

Even if your wooden furniture isn’t technically dirty, it still might not look its best…

Here’s how to maintain the shine of your wooden furniture with proper cleaning and little-known tips!

Brew a Black Tea Solution: An Unexpected Cleaning Ally

We all know there’s not much a nice cup of tea can’t fix, and your wood furniture is no exception!

Black tea is rich in tannic acid which works as a gentle natural cleaner and polish, restoring the wood’s lustre. Basically, it darkens and enhances the wood tone, covering minor scratches and imperfections. Like makeup, but for wood.

All you need to do is brew some tea, let it cool, and grab a soft cloth. Dip it in the tea and gently rub it onto the wood, following the grain.

Let it dry, then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. It’s a simple, natural way to give your furniture a little facelift and make it look good as new!

Mineral Spirits: Your Secret Weapon for Deep Cleaning

Mineral spirits work wonders for reviving wood furniture shine. They work as a solvent to dissolve stains, dirt, grease, and any build up of grime. When the spirits evaporate, you’re left with lovely shiny wood without harming the finish.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to grab some gloves and ventilate the area. Thn get a cloth, dab it with mineral spirits, and gently go over the wood, following its grain.

Just remember, test it in a hidden spot first and go easy on sensitive finishes. Soon enough, your furniture will be gleaming like new!

Stain Removal SOS: The Best Natural Wood Cleaning Solutions

Unfortunately, sometimes stains tarnish your lovely furniture.

But the good news is that spills and stains are relatively easy to clean off wood. Here’s how to tackle the most common culprits…

Water Rings: Wipe Them Away With This Simple Trick

No matter how strict you are with coasters, sometimes the odd water ring slips through and stains your lovely wooden furniture.

To remove them, your first step is to gently rub the stain with a cloth that’s been dipped in equal parts white vinegar and olive oil. Or, you could always use non-gel toothpaste and baking soda mixed with water.

You want to gently rub the spot in the direction of the wood grain – never against! Allow it to sit for a few minutes then simply wipe it off.

For stubborn stains, you can use a hairdryer on low heat or a fine-grade steel wool lightly dampened with mineral spirits, but be extremely cautious not to damage the wood finish.

Ink Marks: Don’t Let Them Ruin Your Furniture’s Look

Pen stains are a pain, aren’t they? Luckily, they’re relatively easy to clean from wooden furniture.

Grab some rubbing alcohol or acetone-free nail polish remover, and gently dab (not rub!) at the stain. It’s a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the alcohol or nail polish remover doesn’t affect the wood.

Stickers or Glue Residue: Sticky Situation? Not Anymore!

Stickers, tape, and glue residue can leave unsightly stains. So if you’re in a sticky situation, here’s how to rid your wooden furniture of residue once and for all.

You want to use an oil like olive oil or any other cooking oil, and apply it to a microfibre cloth. Hold the oil-soaked cloth to the residue and let it penetrate for a few moments, before gently rubbing.

The oil helps break up that sticky substance, and it should wipe right off!

Mould or Mildew: Prevent and Clean with These Tips

When it comes to safeguarding wooden furniture from mould and mildew, prevention is always better than a cure.

Start by keeping your furniture clear of damp or moist spots, and consider using a dehumidifier if you live in a particularly humid environment. Address any hints of dampness swiftly and amp up the airflow to thwart mould growth before it becomes a problem.

Regular maintenance is another key —dust your furniture frequently and wipe it down using a dry cloth to stave off any moisture buildup. A layer of furniture polish or wax acts as a shield against potential mould invasions.

Try to also inspect your wooden furniture every now and then, so that you can bust mould and mildew nice and early.

Should you spot any signs of mould creeping in, whip up a simple mixture using equal parts vinegar and water. Gently scrub the affected areas, ensuring thorough coverage, and then be sure to let it dry completely.

Remember, a little care and attention can keep your wooden furniture looking great for years to come!

The Dish Soap Method: An Easy Technique for Cleaning Wood Furniture

Dish soap is one of the most versatile cleaning products – and it works a treat on wood furniture!

Fill a bucket or tub with hot water, and squirt in some dish soap til you get a nice, sudsy mixture. Use a nice soft cloth, dampen it with the dish soap and water, then use it to wipe down your wooden furniture.

This is a great all-rounder cleaning fix – just be sure to let it dry in a nice open space to avoid damp!

Make It Last: How to Maintain Your Wooden Furniture’s Clean Look

Good quality furniture is an investment, and one that you want to last a lifetime. To prolong the lifespan of your wooden furniture, here’s what you need to keep it in tip-top shape.

Essential Equipment and Tools for Your Cleaning Adventure

If you’re after the best products for cleaning wooden furniture, look no further! Here’s everything you’ll need in your wooden-furniture-cleaning-kit:

Microfibre cloths
Dish soap
Rubber gloves
Mineral spirits
White vinegar
A small, soft bristled brush
Furniture polish

Applying Furniture Polish: A Step You Shouldn’t Skip

Furniture polish isn’t just about shine—it adds a protective layer that shields wood from moisture, scratches, and everyday wear. Think of it as a bodyguard, keeping your wood safe from harm and preserving its natural charm.

By using it regularly, you’re not just making things look good—you’re keeping your furniture strong, vibrant, and ready to impress for years to come!

Protecting Your Furniture: Why Covering Can Be a Good Idea

You don’t have to leave your wood furniture naked – why not give it a cover?

Covering your furniture offers protection against dust, spills, and pet hair which means less cleaning for you.

They also act as a barrier against scratches or accidental damage, keeping your furniture looking lovely for longer.

Dust and Clean Often: The Habit That Keeps Your Furniture Looking Great

Did you know that tiny specks of dust can actually scratch and damage your wooden furniture? And they can build up inside intricate carvings, and be really difficult and annoying to clean out!

That’s why it’s important to dust and furniture regularly and prevent the build up!

Recognise When Professional Help is Needed

If you have a lot of wooden furniture and not a lot of time (or motivation) to keep it clean, you may want to consider getting a professional to help out.

Wecasa can connect you with local domestic cleaners who know how to treat wooden furniture and what it takes to keep it in good condition.

Book an expert interior cleaner today, and enjoy lovely wooden furniture for years to come!

Book my Wecasa domestic cleaner