We’ve all had those “oops” moments. Whether it’s a wine disaster on the new area rug, crayon “artwork” on your child’s bedroom wall, or a queso catastrophe on the dinner table, we’ve all been there. You are not alone! Because of this, it’s not enough for us to just sell “better quality furniture at lower prices”. We also want to advise our loyal customers on how best to take care of their purchases! That is why today we will be discussing basic tips on how to clean wood furniture.
Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, much of our selection is made up of either upholstered furniture or casegoods. As you may remember, we previously discussed how to clean your upholstered furniture fabric in 3 simple steps. By contrast, casegoods are solid pieces of furniture, usually built of materials like metal or wood as opposed to fabric. Think of things like coffee tables, dressers, cabinets, desks or tv consoles. These are the kinds of wooden furniture pieces we’re talking about today.
Dusting Tips
Regardless of what kind of wood or finish you’re dealing with, dusting is always a good first step. Aside from cleaning spills or stains, dusting is all you’ll need to do on a regular basis. Do this regularly to prevent too much dust or dirt from accumulating. Dusting frequently with an old-fashioned feather duster or terrycloth is usually sufficient. However, if too much dust builds up, a duster may just spread the dust around. In this instance, a damp microfiber or terrycloth is the best way to trap the dust particles. Just be sure to dry the surface right afterward.
Keep in mind, many furniture makers recommend against using dust repellent sprays, as they can have unintended consequences. Depending on the type of wood and finish, dusting sprays could damage the finish or cause chalky or oily buildup. A slightly damp microfiber rag is always a safe bet instead. Also, if using a feather duster, be gentle as the quills are actually quite capable of scratching the finish.
Know Your Furniture
This leads us to the next tip. For the same reasons mentioned above, know your furniture above all else. When you clean wood furniture, it is important to know exactly what it is you are cleaning. Your new piece of furniture may be solid wood or veneer. It may be stained, varnished, shellacked or painted. This is particularly important for both the cleaning and preserving process.
You can typically find this kind of information in a brochure or user manual from the manufacturer. If you no longer have paperwork that came with your furniture purchase, feel free to swing by one of our locations or call our helpful customer service team at 678-255-1000! We may be able to look up your purchase or get you the proper care information!
General Tips to Clean Wood Furniture
Lastly, here are a few general tips for that occasional deep cleaning and restoration. As stated before, the exact treatment to clean or refresh your favorite wood furniture will vary, but under no circumstance should you ever use a general purpose cleaner like those used in the kitchen or bathroom. Harsh chemicals in these cleaners can destroy the finish on many different kinds of wood. As always, when using any kind of new cleaner or solvent, always start in an inconspicuous place. If you notice any damage, cease use immediately.
In lieu of any special-made cleaners, you can usually clean wood furniture with water and dish soap. However, it is always best to use a damp soapy cloth. Do not apply the soap directly to the wood, be careful not to soak the surface, and always dry immediately. The final step involves using oil, wax, or polish to preserve and protect the finish. Since every piece is unique, we recommend that you refer back to the manufacturer’s info to determine which type of wax or polish is right for your piece.