Wooden items have taken up so much of space in our homes that we often tend to overlook their significance. Strong, durable and easy to carve and work upon, wood is a faithful friend to carpenters and craftspersons alike. From large pieces of furniture to smaller decorative pieces, the kind of space taken up by this material in our lives is mind boggling, if you come to notice!
Since wooden items, specifically furniture, form such an important part of our daily lives, it is also important to know how to care for them properly. The wood in furniture is exposed to harsh conditions that can have an impact on its durability and aesthetics over a period of time. Want to know how this can be avoided? Well, read on to find out some useful tips on how to clean wood furniture.
Removing stains from wood furniture
Your furniture can accumulate different kinds of stains over time. However, there is no one stop solution for all these types of stains that can possibly appear on your furniture. So here’s a guide on how to remove different stains from wood and what to use for best results.
Water stains
Water spills on furniture, if not wiped immediately, might leave behind stains that get tougher to remove with time. To remove such stains, you can use white vinegar or toothpaste. Apply a small amount with a cloth on the affected area and rub gently until the stains go away. Wipe off the excess using a damp cloth and dry the area thoroughly.
Grease and oil spills
Such stains are most commonly found on kitchen cabinets and can hamper the aesthetic of your kitchen. But rest assured, these stains can be easily removed with dishwashing soap or baking soda solution. Simply apply the solution of your choice on the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. You can then wipe it off and let the area dry.
Ink stains
As easy as it is to get an ink stain on the furniture in your study, it gets very difficult to remove with time. Therefore, you require a stronger substance for such stains. To remove an ink stain, pour some rubbing alcohol into a swab of cotton wool and rub the affected area until the stain disappears. Wipe the area with a damp cloth after this and let it dry.
Crayon marks
Crayon marks on wood furniture are old foes of households with children! But don’t worry, these marks, no matter how tough, can be easily removed with a solution of baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water and rub it on the affected areas with a soft cloth. Once the stains disappear, clean the area with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Mould
The accumulation of mould on wood furniture is generally inevitable and can be a real menace. If you spot mould growth on your furniture, you can clear it off using white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply white vinegar or diluted hydrogen peroxide to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe it off.
Scratches
Scratches on wood furniture can be caused by various factors, more often than not unintentionally. But scratches are much easier to fix than it seems! For small scratches, you can use a solution of vinegar and olive and mixed in equal amounts. But for larger ones, you might need to use a wood filler according to the instructions provided on the product.
See also: How to clean mould from surfaces?: A comprehensive guide
Ways to clean different types of wood furniture
Yes, we agree. Every home does not have the same type of wooden furniture. The wood might vary in type, thickness and finish. So will a single cleaning solution work in all cases? Well, different types of wooden furniture require different care. Here are some tips on general cleaning of different types of wood furniture:
Unfinished wood
Though not a common material for furniture, you might have other smaller objects made of unfinished wood in your possession. Cleaning unfinished wood requires nothing more than regular dusting. However, if you notice any stains, you can remove them using a mild soap solution. Make sure it dries thoroughly to avoid accumulation of moisture on the wood.
Varnished, lacquered or sealed wood
Even for furniture made of finished wood, regular dusting is a key requirement. You can use a mild wood cleaner for tough stains once in a while but make sure not to use a lot of water since it can damage the finish.
Oiled wood
For wood furniture with a protective coating of oil or wax, clean it by gently wiping the surface with a soft cloth. For deep cleaning, you can use a mild soap solution without much water content. Don’t forget to refresh the coat of oil or wax regularly.
Painted wood
For painted wood, alongside regular dusting, you can clean the surface with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Take extra care to not use harsh cleaners or rough pieces of cloth since they can easily scratch or damage the painted surface.
Antique wood
Antique wood always requires extra care and maintenance. Therefore, make sure to dust it with a fresh cloth each time and ensure the piece of cloth does not have any accumulated lint. For deep cleaning, a mixture of mild soap and water is sufficient since commercial wood cleaners might be too harsh.
See also: How to clean glass?
FAQs
What is the easiest way to clean wood furniture?
For regular cleaning of wood furniture, you can use a solution of mild soap and water.
Can I use water to clean wood?
Although some water is required for best results, make sure the wooden surface dries thoroughly after cleaning and moisture does not accumulate.
Can deep cleaning harm the finishing of wood?
Cleaning wood furniture with harmful and abrasive cleaners with chemical content and excessive rubbing with harsh cloth can damage the wood finishing.
Can cleaning cause any damage to wood furniture?
If not done gently using proper materials, cleaning wood furniture can result in scratches and damages.
What is the best way to clean antique furniture?
Antique furniture requires regular dusting to maintain its charm. It needs to be cleaned with gentle cleaners and soft, clean pieces of cloth.
What is the best way to remove scratches from wood?
Smaller scratches can easily be removed using vinegar and olive oil. You can also go for the commercial wood fillers available in the market.
How to remove mould from wood?
Mould can be removed from wooden surfaces using white vinegar or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
