The first thing to consider is what type of finish your wood furniture has. If you know the finish (oil-based sealant, paint, acrylic stain, etc.), then follow the instructions accordingly. If not, the best approach is to start with the least abrasive cleaner and work your way up to stronger solutions if you need to. Before you use any wet materials, dust off the furniture in order to start with the least amount of dirt as possible on your furniture.

Start with Dish Soap

Start by dipping a cotton ball into a mixture of a small amount of dish soap and wiping it on a hidden area to see how it interacts with the finish on the wood. If it does not leave a mark, first try to clean your furniture with this gentle solution. Make sure not to let too much moisture build up on the furniture itself, as this can create stains. If it seems that the dish soap is not working, move on to another type of cleaner.

Mineral Spirits

Use a clean, dry cloth and dampen it slightly with mineral spirits. Again, apply the mineral spirits in an inconspicuous area to make sure that it will not stain or strip your wood’s finish. Mineral spirits can actually take off years of grime and build-up from your wood furniture. As you wipe the mineral spirits over the wood, make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain. You should be able to see dirt and grime coming off fairly easily.

Once you have wiped down the wood, take another clean, dry cloth and wipe away any leftover residue or dampness. To really make your furniture shine, you can buff and polish it with wax. Use a cheesecloth for the buffing and again, stay with the direction of the wood grain as you buff.

Other Options

Can you use vinegar on wood furniture? You can! But, it is higher in acidity, so you must dilute the vinegar a fair amount to use it to clean your furniture. As with all other solutions, use a soft cloth and test it in a small unseen area first. If these options don’t work, you might want to consider getting your wood furniture refinished. Sometimes the best way to get your furniture back to its original beauty is to strip the finish and start over.

Old wood furniture and antique wood furniture require an even more gentle approach. Take extra precautions. The wood is older and more brittle, and it can easily obtain water stains. Make sure to use the most gentle solution of dish soap and water and use extra caution with how much moisture you allow to sit on the wood. You will want to wipe away moisture fairly quickly when you are cleaning old furniture.

At Super Clean 360, we work hard to take care of all of your cleaning needs. With our weekly house cleaning, we make sure to gently dust your wood furniture regularly. When you need deep house cleaning services, we can help wipe away any build-up or grime on your wood furniture. 

If you need a home cleaning services provider in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, or the surrounding areas, Super Clean 360 has professional house cleaning services that provide you with an immaculately cleaned home and the time to actually enjoy it. Our professional cleaners offer a wide range of services:

• Weekly House Cleaning
• Disinfection Services
• New Construction House Cleaning
• Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning Services
• One Time House Cleaning
• Airbnb Cleaning Services
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At Super Clean 360, our reviews show that we’re committed to your complete satisfaction. Our cleaners are bonded, insured, thoroughly vetted, and expertly trained so that we will never let you down. We work closely with you to determine the best cleaning plan for your home and your family. Our team gets to know you and then identifies your unique cleaning needs so that you get a “super” service every time.

Ready to experience the Super Clean 360 difference? Book your house cleaning service today!