The technique you use will depend on the finish.
To keep your pieces in tip-top shape, make furniture care part of your regularhousehold cleaning routine.
How to Dust Wood Furniture
To keep wood furniture in its best shape, dust frequently.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Dry, soft cloths and feather dusters will effectively remove dust from wood furniture.
Remove excess moisture with a dry terry towel.
Step 2: Apply and Buff
Apply with a soft cloth and buff with a clean cloth.
Credit: Getty / d3sign
Step 3: Remove Sticky Spots
Sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water.
Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Applying wax or polish protects the manufacturer’s finish and helps to reduce surface scratches.
Credit: Laurey Glenn Photography
Wax needs to be applied to furniture correctly, or it can cause streaks and a cloudy appearance.
Wrap the fabric around the wax ball and knead it until soft.
Wipe off the excess wax with a clean, soft cotton cloth.
Credit: David Tsay
Repeat waxing and wiping until the entire piece of wood furniture is waxed.
If you notice a streak, keep wiping to remove excess wax.
If the wax smears, wipe with a soft cloth and continue buffing.
To maintain waxed furniture, dust with a lamb’s-wool duster.
Never use liquid or aerosol furniture polishes because they can dissolve the wax and leave a hazy film.
This three-step cleaning and care routine is the best way to clean old wood furniture over time.
Apply with a clean cotton cloth and work with the grain per the product directions.
Work with the grain of the wood and use light to moderate pressure.
Immediately wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or cheesecloth.
To protect the finish, apply furniture paste wax using the steps above.
Rinse and dry well.
If the finish still seems dirty, clean lightly with #0000 steel wool dipped in a cleaning product.
Step 2: Wax Furniture
Apply clear paste wax following the steps outlined above.
How to Repair Surface Scratches on Wood Furniture
Scratching is almost inevitable with wood furniture.
Here’s how to remove scratches from wood furniture.
Wood Furniture Care Tips
Even the highest-quality wood furnishings can be susceptible to odors and kinks.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to care for your wood furniture.
If the magnet doesn’t stick, it’s solid brass.
If it does, it’s most likely a brass plate with a base metal underneath.
Clean with a metal or brass cleaner.
Buff using a towel and reattach to furniture when completely dry.
Be sure to use a brass polish that doesnt contain ammonia, which can cause corrosion issues.
One option is to use a polish with a mild abrasive in cotton wadding.
Or, to avoid regular cleaning, you’re free to coat the hardware with clear lacquer.
If that doesnt work, try a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid mixed with a quart of warm water.
If that doesnt work, try applying naphtha with a cloth or fine-grit scrubbing pad.
First, dont forget to use coasters with drinks.
Any spills should be cleaned up immediately, using mild soap and water on sealed wood surfaces.
Caring for Your Furniture.
North Carolina Historic Sites.
Caring for Your Treasures.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
Give old furniture a good cleaning.WOOD.
How to Remove Water Spots on Wood: Expert Tips for Restoring Your Wooden Surfaces.
