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Wooden furniture has an unique appeal as a home accessory. Over the years hardwood acquires an even deeper, lush look that makes it an irresistibly beautiful home accessory and a valuable possession with the potential to become a very valuable heirloom for your children. However, the same way wood becomes more and more appealing with each year that passes, it also tends to gather dirt and grime. They can even form a coating of sticky dirt that masks the true beauty of the item and makes it unpleasant to touch.
Usually, regular cleaning with a home-made green cleaner would prevent the dirt from piling and forming a layer on top of the piece of furniture. Let’s admit it, though, that sometimes, we lack the energy and the time to deep clean everything in our home – thus neglect some of the most valuable items in it. Once the time for regular cleaning has passed, you should take measures to deep clean the wooden furniture. The tricky part is to manage to do it without damaging the original finish of the item.
How to Deep Clean Wooden Furniture
The most effective way to deep clean wooden furniture is, sadly, with chemicals. Here is what you are going to need:
- Linseed oil – boiled and not raw!
- White vinegar
- Turpentine
- A couple of cotton cloths
- Protective rubber gloves
- Something to cover the ground – cardboard or drop cloths will work just fine
- An old toothbrush
- Stick to stir the mixture
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Paper towels
Note: Do not use this on painted wooden furniture as the turpentine ans linseed oil will dissolve the paint! Works only for natural wood with finish.
1. Choose a well-ventilated area to place the piece of furniture. The turpentine-vinegar-linseed-oil solution releases fumes which might harm you, warn cleaning technicians from St Albans. It is a good idea to wear a face mask to protect yourself. Working outdoors is your best option.
2. Cover the working area with the drop cloth or cardboard to avoid damaging the flooring. Put on the rubber gloves for your own protection. The facial mask is optional.
3. Place the wooden piece of furniture on the covered ground. Begin the cleaning by wiping it with paper towels. Try to get as much of the dirt out as possible. Afterwards, vacuum clean its surface to remove any loose particles.
4. For the cleaning solution, mix equal parts vinegar, linseed oil and turpentine.
5. Carefully wet one of the cloths with the mixture – do not soak it as you don’t want to soak the wood with the cleaner. Start wiping the surface very gently and don’t forget that scrubbing is a big no-no. Soak any leftover moisture with the second cloth.
6. Repeat the cleaning procedure until you remove all the grime.
7. To clean corners, cracks and designs use the toothbrush. Simply dip it into the cleaner and carefully go over them without applying much pressure. Once again, don’t forget to soak up with the cloth.
8. Make sure to change the cloths regularly. When one is too dirty to help you clean, it will simply smear the dirt over the wood. Once so tracks of dirt are visible on the cloths, you can end the cleaning.
9. Leave the piece to air dry. Once it is 100% dry, you can buff it with a clean cloth to restore its shine.
10 Don’t forget to dispose of leftover cleaning solution and any cloths that have it on them properly. The turpentine-vinegar-linseed-oil mixture is highly inflammable, so you ought to take all the precautions to protect yourself and your family from accidents.
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August 5, 2013
Should I use wax on the furniture piece after cleaning?
August 22, 2013
Hello, Carol! I am sorry for the late reply but I was away for a while. Now that I am back, I am prepared with an answer 🙂 Applying wax polish isn’t mandatory right after you have cleaned up the furniture. However, if you have the time and the nerves, it would be a great idea to place a coat of wax to add extra protection to the wood.
I hope this answers your question 🙂 Fell free to ask anything, I am always happy to help 😉
August 10, 2020
Thank you for sharing the tips of cleaning wooden furniture. Every body should know all these cleaning tips.