French Polishing and Bespoke Furniture
Start by wiping down your wood furniture with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime . You never want water to sit on the wood , so quickly wipe it down with another dry microfiber cloth. For regular dusting, a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth will do the trick.
Vinegar makes an excellent wood cleaner because it won’t damage wood finish or warp wood like other products do . Cleaning with vinegar is a green alternative to the sometimes toxic and expensive cleaners offered at the store.
Cleaning wood furniture with vinegar and water . In your bucket, mix half a cup of white vinegar to half a gallon of warm water . For larger surfaces, you may want to double it. You can either spray the vinegar mixture on a soft rag or dip the rag into the bucket and then wring it out thoroughly. Be careful.
General Care. To maintain the finish, mild dish soap or a damp cloth is recommended for cleaning up after spills, just as you would clean woodwork. Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy’s Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish.
Try mixing a weak solution of water and dish washing soap. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out and wipe the entire piece. You want a damp cloth, not a wet one. Don’t saturate the wood , and rinse your cloth often.
Mix water and dish soap in a bucket and use this solution to sponge down the entire piece of furniture . Do not soak the wood ; this is a common mistake. Instead, brush the sponge lightly over the surface and don’t let the liquid linger for long. Dry thoroughly.
Because vinegar is acidic, it can corrode wood and stone, it can destroy wax, kill plants, and cause other damage . Hardwood floors – due to its acidic nature, vinegar can damage hardwood floor finishes , causing them to look dingy. Use either a cleaner specifically made for hardwood floors or a mix of soap and water.
Best Wood Cleaner Comparison Chart 2021
Best Wood Cleaners | Size |
---|---|
Howard RF3016 Restor-A-Finish Golden Oak – Best Overall | 16 oz |
Method Daily Wood Spray – Best Budget | 28 oz |
Howard FW0016 Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner – Best Wood Polish | 16 oz |
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Best for Unwaxed Wooden Floors | 128 oz |
Mix equal parts vinegar and water; dip a soft cloth in the mixture and wring out really well or use the solution in a spray bottle. Wipe the wood in the direction of the grain, re-wetting and wringing your cloth often.
Clean. Any refinishing furniture DIY starts with basic cleaning. Examine. Take an overall assessment of the piece and determine if it needs any repairs. Remove the Old Finish. Sanding. Chemical Stripper. Seal the Wood . Stain or Paint. Apply Finish.
Other Tips For Cleaning & Protecting a Wood Table Dust your wood table often. Small particles of dust may seem harmless, but enough buildup can scratch the wood’s finish. Use vinegar and oil to get water rings out of your wooden table . Keep it away from the radiator. Watch humidity levels. Make your wood table shine.
For heavy cleaning, dilute 1/2 cup Murphy ® oil soap per gallon. Clean with well wrung-out mop, and mop any excess water. No rinsing required.