Almost every home has several pieces of wooden furniture. It doesn’t matter what year it is, wood furniture never goes out of style. It might become overshadowed from time to time, but it remains a steady presence in our lives.
Take a good look at your home. There’s a good chance you have a wooden table or cabinet that’s been with you for decades. It’s still strong and stable. It might become discolored and dirty. But you can make it look new again if you know how to clean wood furniture.
Reasons to Invest in Wood Furniture
Your parents or friends might encourage you to choose a table made of hardwood. Or you’re in two minds about investing in a wood console. Experts say furniture and fixtures made of this natural material are a good choice. It’s true. Here’s why:
- It’s durable. Furniture made of wood can last a lifetime. It’s why many family antique furnishings are of this material. That table you bought could become a family heirloom if you clean and take care of it.
- It’s low maintenance. Any maid will confirm how easy it is to clean wood furniture. It only needs a regular wipe down. A good cleaning company like PCT Clean can restore old and neglected furniture.
- It’s cost-effective. High-quality wood furniture does cost more than plastic or metal fixtures. But you won’t need to replace them for years. Some homeowners never replace them since they know how to take good care of them.
Steps to Cleaning Your Wood Furniture
Taking care of your wooden furniture should be part of your cleaning checklist. You might feel confused about the best way to approach this. After all, the various wood types and finishes need different cleaning approaches. The basic steps remain the same though, and that’s what you should follow.
· Prepare What You Need
Cleaning jobs will go faster if you have all the materials at hand. When you’re working with wood furnishings, you should have:
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
- Furniture polish
- You can also prepare a cheesecloth or a mineral spirit.
Wipe Down the Wood
You should start by wiping down the furniture. It’s best to use a damp microfiber cloth. The fabric is very effective in removing dirt and can hold a lot of water. You don’t want your wood furniture to remain wet. Wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth after the first run.
You should wipe down or dust furniture on a regular basis. Experts say that leaving dust on your wood furniture is harmful in the long run. It builds up a layer that could scratch the wood’s surface. This is also harmful to people’s health. It could trigger an asthma attack.
You can use different materials to clean off the dust. Microfiber cloths are the best option. But you can always use cotton cloth or a feather duster.
· Focus on the Sticky Spots
Your favorite wooden table might have some sticky spots. Get on it by adding a drop of liquid dish cleaner to your microfiber rag. Do a trial run by rubbing it on a small section. Choose one that’s not noticeable. You want to check that you won’t remove the finishing.
If the cleaning agent has no effect, you can mix a few drops of the soap with one cup of water. Rub the cloth on the sticky section. Use gentle motions. Make sure you don’t soak the area in water. Wipe the water off as soon as the spot is smooth and clean. Dry it with another clean cloth.
· Use Mineral Spirits for Stubborn Spots
There are instances, your furniture might need something stronger than soap. A good mineral spirit will do the trick. Here are some of the best ones in the market today:
- Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits Bottle
- Klean Strip Green Odorless Mineral Spirits
- Sunnyside Corporation Low Odor Mineral Spirits Paint Thinner
Test the substance on a nondescript spot first. You don’t want to strip the furniture’s finish. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area before you work. Apply the mineral on a clean cloth. Rub it on the stubborn spot.
What if it doesn’t work? You might have to work with a professional cleaning service. Or you might have the whole piece refinished.
Apply Wax
You should also consider waxing the furniture to give it an extra shine. But do this using the proper method. Choose a product without silicone.
Place one spoonful-sized wax in a square cheesecloth. Wrap the fabric around the ball. Knead it until it softens.
Rub the waxy fabric on the wood surface. Do it per area. Smear it on until the surface turns a dull color. Let the wax sit for a few minutes. Wipe off the excess using a clean cloth. You can then start buffing it until it shines. You can also attach a wool pad or cloth to a power buffer or electric drill. Use it to polish the furniture. Apply a second coat for more shine.
Do not use a furniture polish spray. It will only leave a residue not even a housekeeping team can clear.
Did the article clear the air for you? You should also read this post on the best ways in cleaning windows.
Get the Best Help for Your Home
A busy schedule means less time for household cleaning. Don’t let that stop you from having a clean and beautiful home. PCT Clean is here to help you with all your cleaning needs. We are one of the best cleaning companies in the country. Our prestigious cleaning team can do home and office cleaning based on your schedule. We also do deep disinfecting of houses and businesses. We offer maid services, move in, move out cleaning. You can reach us at (770) 422-5326. You can also request a quote here.
