Wood furniture is a staple of modern home design, but it can collect a lot of dirt and grime over time. Whether your old wooden dining table has been used to cram a family’s meals or your grandfather’s antique coffee table has become a dusty heirloom in the attic, it’s important to clean it thoroughly to maintain its beauty.
If you’re looking to spruce up your antique wood furniture without spending too much money, you can do so easily with just a few household cleaning products and some elbow grease. Just be sure to check that you’re using a cleaning solution appropriate for the finish on your furniture, otherwise you could end up damaging it in the process!
Aside from dust and debris, wood furniture also accumulates stains and marks that can be hard to remove with regular cleaning. If you notice any water stains, scratches or other marks on your old wood furniture, the first thing to do is check to see if they are mildew. Mildew is a type of fungus that can grow in moist or damp environments, so it’s important to treat it immediately.
Depending on the severity of the problem, there are several different ways to treat mildew on your wood furniture. Some of these include brushing away any spores, washing the area with a mild antibacterial soap and drying it well before placing it back in the room.
Another option is to try applying a few drops of white spirit to a rag, then gently rubbing it across the wood’s surface in small circles. This will dissolve any stains and prevent them from reappearing.
Once you’re sure that your old wood furniture is clean, you can add a layer of wax to help protect it from sun damage and give it a glossy sheen. This is especially helpful for outdoor furniture since it helps to protect it from the elements and keeps it looking shiny.
Before you apply any polish, you’ll want to test it on a hidden section of your wood furniture to make sure that it won’t cause any damage. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the area and be careful not to get any residue on the wood.
After the area has dried completely, you can use a cloth to buff out the wax. This will make your old wood furniture look brand new.
If your wooden furniture has been used to store foods, it may have a sticky residue on the surface that can be removed by adding a drop of dish soap to a microfiber cloth. Then, gently rub the soapy cloth over the gummy area until it’s soft and easy to wipe away. Wipe the area dry with a new microfiber cloth.
For stubborn stains, you can try applying a little bit of olive oil or mineral oil to a cloth. Rub the oil over the soiled area, moving to a clean cloth as you transfer the oil to the surface. Repeat as needed to loosen the gummy residue.
