Cleaning wood furniture naturally can be a daunting task. As known, wooden furniture tends to be weak against harsh weather and strong chemical components. Nonetheless, by utilizing green cleaning agents and simple but efficient methods, you can turn your aged wood furniture into beautiful, new-looking pieces. Here are a few steps in cleaning wood furniture naturally:
How to Clean Wood Furniture
Natural Wood Cleaner and Polish Recipes
People are becoming more conscious of the environment today, and this newfound awareness has increased our choices when it comes to green wood furniture cleaners. However, the most potent cleaners and polishers still remain to be those that are homemade. Consider these natural alternatives for cleaning wood furniture naturally in your home, and you will see a desirable positive difference:
- Vinegar and oil—thoroughly mix one part white vinegar with three parts oil (you can use whichever you prefer, although olive oil seems to be the popular choice). The vinegar will pick up the dirt and grime while the oil will give your furniture a smooth gloss. Use cloths to cover wide surfaces and a spray bottle for cleaning intricate designs and embellishments.
- Baking soda—the best treatment for white marks caused by hot cups and glass sweats, this solution requires you to mix equal parts of baking soda and water. Take a dollop of the mixture and gently rub it into the marks to eliminate them. You can also use other abrasives such as salt and ash if you do not have baking soda on hand.
- Wax—cleaning wood furniture is not just about taking out dirt; it is also about revealing the wood’s original luster and preventing it from rapidly deteriorating. For natural polishers and water repellent, beeswax and car wax are the best choices. They will make scratches less visible and give your furniture a long-lasting protective film.
Simple Tips for Cleaning Wood Furniture
If you’re looking to cleaning wood furniture naturally without compromising its intrinsic details, there are several things you have to remember:
- Clean in an open space—cleaning wood furniture in an enclosed space might only result in more damage to your wood pieces due to accidental bumping and scratching. Instead of taking that risk, bring your furniture to your garage or yard where you can freely reach every nook and cranny.
- Start with dusting—try to take out as much dirt from your furniture as possible before applying cleaners. Use dusters, paper towels, and a vacuum cleaner, if necessary.
- Follow the grain—always make sure that you clean furniture following the wood grain. This will significantly reduce any ill effects your cleaner and cleaning agent might have on the wood.
- Consider the wood finish—different finishes react differently to cleaning agents. Simple washing liquids is better for painted wood, soapy solution applied with a cloth works well with unsealed wood, and liquid solutions picked up with a sponge can do wonders for well-coated veneer wood furniture.
Cleaning wood furniture naturally need not be a pain. Choose eco-friendly cleaning materials and follow the tips we shared in this article, and you can easily expand your furniture’s lifespan.