Wood furniture is beautiful, but it's not always easy to keep clean. The smooth surface of the wood is a perfect breeding ground for dust, dirt, and grime. Even the smallest amount of moisture can create an environment for mould to grow on your wood furniture! The good news is that you can use microfiber cloths to remove dust and dirt from your wooden furniture without damaging the surface. The smooth fibres will pick up any dirt on the surface while creating no scratches or marks.
Looking to clean your wood furniture but unsure of what you should use? Cleaning wood furniture or cabinets can be a pain for many homeowners. To protect your investment and save money, consider using microfiber cloths to efficiently remove dust, dirt, grime and even mould from your wood surfaces. The smooth fibres of microfiber are small enough to ensure no damage comes to your wood but harsh enough to absorb surface water and dirt effectively. You can also use an organic all-purpose cleaner.
As you know, wood is an organic material that is not good at repelling liquids. This can lead to stains and other problems that may be difficult to remove later. When it comes to cleaning wood furniture, there are many factors to consider. Even if you want a quick once-over before guests arrive, there are some things you should keep in mind and some products that may help.
Use microfibre cloth for dusting:
Start by wiping down the whole surface with a dry microfiber cloth before applying any water or cleaning solution. This will remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface and make it easier for you to clean later on. Microfiber cloths are the easiest way to clean wood furniture. The split fibres help remove dust instantly as you wipe down your furniture. You won't need any extra cleaning products or water for a dust-free home! When dusting, make sure you use an all-purpose microfiber towel type. These towels' longer "fluffier" fibres have extra space to hold dust. Microfiber is also positively charged and clings to negatively charged dust particles.
Deep cleaning:
There are several ways to clean wooden furniture thoroughly. For example:
a) To clean tougher stains and grease on the furniture, try to dip the microfibre towel in detergent water and rub gently. Of course, it's always best to avoid chemicals while cleaning your home, so you can also replace the detergent powder with TheBetterHome's plant-based multipurpose cleaners. It has no harmful chemicals and doesn't affect the shine of your furniture.
b) Make a paste of baking soda and water and rub it on the surface of the wood. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth or microfiber towel. Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner that will remove filth from deep within the grain of your wood without scratching its surface.
c) Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your wood with it after cleaning with detergent or baking soda paste to neutralize any alkaline residue left behind by those cleaners and restore the pH balance of your wood.
Remove sticky grime:
There are a few simple steps to clean dirty grime from wood furniture with less hassle and worry:
Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe away as much dirt as possible.
Dampen the towel with water to help break up more difficult grime. Water is a universal solvent and helps loosen up the dirt particles.
Finish the job by wiping a dry microfiber over the area you cleaned to remove excess liquid and prevent damage.
For old and antique wood furniture:
If your antique furniture has stains or marks that you cannot get out by simply cleaning with soap and water alone, you will want to consider using a mild bleach solution. You can purchase chlorine bleach at any grocery store or home improvement centre in town, and it is very inexpensive compared to other types of bleach out there. However, you should only use this type of solution if your antique furniture is very old or fragile because it can cause damage over time if not used properly.
Things to avoid while cleaning wooden furniture:
- a) Don't use harsh clothes
- b) Avoid chemical solvents
- c) Don't rub harshly
- d) Keep it away from direct sunlight
- e) Use moisture absorber in monsoon to avoid damp
- f) Don't use polish too much