Wood is one of, if not the most, materials that go well with any decor style, paint color, and other materials. Wood is also used often to tone down the bold colors or to add a warm nuance to a room. So, it’s no wonder that many people choose this material to complement their interior.
However, there are some things that can damage the wood such as water, scratch, oil, dust, and debris. Especially if you have children or fur friends with active phase, there will once or twice happen around your wood furniture. That’s why you need to clean the wood surface to maintain its color and texture.
How to Maintain Wood Furniture
Below are a few steps that you can follow to clean and maintain your wood furniture.
Regular Maintenance
First, clean the surface from any dust or debris using a microfiber cloth or feather duster. Make sure that the cloth or duster is clean, not something that you have used to wipe oil or grease because it will only add more work for you.
Make your own cleaning solution by following this simple tutorial:
- Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto the clean microfiber cloth. Make sure that the cloth is damp enough, not overwet.
- Wipe the furniture with the damp cloth, following the direction of the wood grain.
- Rinse the residue of the soapy water.
Cleaning Hard Stains
When it comes to furniture, especially the one that you have been using for so long, you may find some stains that are difficult to clean. For this kind of stain, you may need a stronger ingredient such as mineral spirits.
In general, mineral spirits are safe for wood furniture but to make sure, test them in the hidden spot of the furniture to check whether they are safe for yours or not.
- Apply mineral spirits to a cleaning cloth until it’s slightly damp.
- Rub the surface of the wood furniture gently.
- Use a damp rag to finish the step or repeat if necessary.
Cleaning Water Stains
Water stains are the most common stains that you may find on furniture and of course, you need to clean them to maintain the look of the wood. There are two methods that you can try:
Using a DIY cleaning solution
- Prepare a small bowl and mix equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste.
- Put the paste on the clean cloth then apply the stained areas.
- Remove the residue with a clean damp cloth.
Using a commercial cleaner
- Buy a water-ring removal cloth (you can find one at a local home improvement store).
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fixing Scratches
Another common problem that comes from furniture is scratch. This usually happens when the furniture is placed in a high-traffic area and hasn’t been touched in a while. The simplest way to fix this issue is by using commercial products that are available in a crayon or paste form.
Those are some tips that you can do to maintain your wood furniture to keep it lasts longer and maintain its natural beauty. You might also want to wax if you think it’s necessary for extra protection.
Image source: Depositphotos
