How to clean grime off wood furniture

How to clean wood furniture

Knowing how to clean dirt off wood and remove stains from furniture is usually a simple process, but in order to preserve wood's beauty, the key is knowing what products to use.

Unless your furniture has a protective coating, avoid cleaning it with water or commercial cleaning products not specifically designed for wood. When using them, always follow the instructions on the label.

(Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it’s suitable for your furniture.)

1. Dust the wood

Using a clean, damp cloth that’s been dipped in some water, gently wipe the surface of your furniture. Do not soak the wood, which could cause damage and marks.

2. Target any grease

Work on the sticky spots with a gentle cleaning solution of soap or mild detergent dissolved in water, using a clean, damp cloth.

3. Dry the surface

Once the mark has been removed, rinse carefully and wipe with a dry cloth.

4. Treat stubborn stains

Clean watermarks on wood or alcohol spots, but use a stronger solution such as a wood cleaning product. For advice on tackling other stubborn marks to your furniture, read our handy guide on how to remove wood stains. You can also check out our guide on removing permanent marker stains off any surface.

5. Give your wood furniture a polish

If your furniture has a finish, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to check which polishing products are suitable, as this can vary.

Note: Different woods occasionally need different cleaning products, so try to determine the tree your furniture was made from before you apply or purchase a wood cleaning product.

How to clean wood furniture with vinegar

Vinegar is the trusted weapon of choice for many cleaning solutions and is a safe and natural way to clean dirt off wood. Its secret ingredient is acetic acid, a powerful agent in tackling the removal of dirt, grease and grime from wood.[1] 

White vinegar is best for cleaning wood, but it can still have a slight odour. To combat this, you may prefer to buy odourless vinegar. Otherwise, you can add a few drops of essential oils, such as lemon, to your white vinegar solution.

Quick tip: Read our article on using vinegar and lemon for cleaning and disinfecting.

1. Dust your wood

Use a moistened and clean cloth that’s been dipped in some water and wipe the entire surface to remove any dust residue.

2. Mix vinegar solution

Measure one part white vinegar (odourless if you prefer) with one part water. Add essential oil, if you are using it.

3. Test on an inconspicuous area first

While vinegar is suitable for all types of wood, it may have an adverse effect on some wood finishes. If it doesn’t damage the wood, continue to the next step.

4. Use a cheesecloth

Dip an area of the clean cheesecloth into the solution and wring it out to make sure it isn’t dripping.

5. Wipe the furniture

Rub the cloth in circular motions, making sure you follow the direction of the grain.

6. Dry the wood

Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe across the surface and absorb any moisture. If there are still marks, you can repeat the above step.

7. Buff the furniture

Finish by using circular movements to buff the entire surface of your furniture with a soft, clean cloth.

8. Treat any scratches

Mixing together a solution of two parts olive oil and one part vinegar. The oil will help to restore and replenish dry wood and remove scratches, while the vinegar will help lift out stains. This solution can also help with removing watermarks. Simply follow steps 1-7 above, replacing water with olive oil.

Note: Olive oil also has antimicrobial properties.[2] So, it can be a great solution for cleaning your wood furniture.

Other natural cleaning products for wood

Aside from using vinegar, there are plenty of other natural products that you can use to clean grime off wood furniture. Here are some of them:

1. Oxalic acid

If you need to remove stubborn grime from wood, one of the most effective substances to use is oxalic acid. You can sand the surface, and then apply the product onto the affected area. Let the substance sit on the stain left by the grime until discolouration fades. To restore the shine of the wood, apply the appropriate type of finish.

2. Lemon and rock salt

Another natural product for removing grime from wood is lemon. You can also add in rock salt, which will act as an abrasive that will lift the dirt off the surface. All you need to do is sprinkle the salt onto the affected spot, then squeeze an adequate amount of lemon juice onto it. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the grime off the wood. Once the dirt loosens, take a clean, damp cloth and use it to wipe the lemon juice and rock salt off.

3. Bicarbonate of soda

Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda is a gentle cleaner that doesn’t damage wood. Besides, it has antibacterial properties.

When using bicarbonate of soda to remove grime from wood, you can create a paste by mixing the product with water. Once the paste is ready, apply a thick layer onto the grime then let it sit there for about 15 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the grime off and spray water onto it if the paste becomes too dry.

Pro Tip: You can also use bicarbonate of soda to clean other surfaces, areas and materials around your home.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and is also a solvent that effectively breaks down dirt. To remove grime from wood surfaces and materials, apply a thin coat of coconut oil on the affected area. Let the coconut oil sit on the wood for half an hour. Then, use a microfibre cloth to wipe the grime and oil off the material.

5. Water

If you want the safest and most natural way to clean grime off wood, then water is your best option. You’ll simply need a damp microfibre cloth to wipe the dirt from the wood. However, make sure you thoroughly dry the material afterwards. Otherwise, moisture will damage or warp the wood.

How to clean wood table furniture and protect it too

Learning how to clean wood table furniture is very simple – just wipe it down using a damp microfiber cloth, apply a cleaning solution, and make sure to dry it afterwards. There are also measures you can take to protect your wood table for the future, such as making sure it gets dusted regularly. A build-up of dust can cause scratches and ruin the finish.

You could also try using vinegar and oil to remove any watermark rings, which are very common on wood tables. Another good tip is to keep your wooden table away from the radiator, as this can cause damage to the wood.

Top tips for polishing wood furniture

Now you know how to remove grime from wood furniture, you might want to polish your furniture as a protective measure. It only needs to be done a few times a year, but for lasting results it’s important you do it properly. Here’s what you need to know:

• ✦

  Some fragile or antique wooden items may be unsuitable for use with commercial polish spray or wax, so always read the manufacturer’s instructions first. As you will end up using the same polish time after time, it is worth finding a product that will buff up your furniture beautifully.

• ✦

  Always test any polish on a small inconspicuous area first. Once you’ve checked your polish or wax is suitable, dust your wooden furniture with a clean, dry cloth to remove any lingering dirt.

• ✦

  Apply some polish, lightly rubbing on the wax along the surface grain to form a thin coat. Leave it to dry before buffing to a clear shine with a clean, soft cloth. For your safety, always clean in a well-ventilated area. Remember that poor air ventilation has been known to cause various respiratory problems.[3]

How to prevent grime on wood?

Preventing grime on wood surfaces requires regular maintenance and care. Firstly, it's important to dust the wood regularly using a soft cloth or microfiber duster to remove dirt and debris. Moreover, avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. 

For deeper cleaning, use a mild wood cleaner specifically designed for the type of wood you have. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Applying a protective finish, such as wax or wood polish, can create a barrier against grime and stains. Use coasters or placemats to protect wood surfaces from spills and heat damage. Finally, avoid placing wood furniture in direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and deterioration.

Frequently asked questions about cleaning grime off wood furniture

Q: Is it OK to clean wood with vinegar?

As long as you’re working on wood with protective coating, it is safe to clean it with vinegar. However, if you’re cleaning hardwood floors, avoid using this solution. The acidity in the vinegar may cause etching on the wood’s surface. 

Q: What should you not clean wood with?

Never use ammonia to clean wood. This inorganic compound will cause dullness, deterioration and discolouration on the wood’s finish.

Q: Is it OK to clean wood with soap and water?

Regular dish soap is safe enough to use as a wood cleaner. However, if you want to be careful, it’s best to use cleaning products specifically designed for wood.

References:

1. Zinn, M., & Bockmühl, D. P. (2020). Did granny know best? Evaluating the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral efficacy of acetic acid for home care procedures. BMC Microbiology, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-020-01948-8

2. Melguizo‐Rodríguez, L., Illescas‐Montes, R., Costela‐Ruiz, V. J., Ramos‐Torrecillas, J., De Luna-Bertos, E., García-Martínez, O., & Ruíz, C. (2021). Antimicrobial properties of olive oil phenolic compounds and their regenerative capacity towards fibroblast cells. Journal of Tissue Viability, 30(3), 372–378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2021.03.003

3. Vornanen-Winqvist, C., Salonen, H., Järvi, K., Andersson, M. A., Mikkola, R., Marik, T., Kredics, L., & Kurnitski, J. (2018). Effects of Ventilation Improvement on Measured and Perceived Indoor Air Quality in a School Building with a Hybrid Ventilation System. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(7), 1414. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071414