How to Clean Old Wood Furniture

Your old wooden furniture may have collected a layer of grime that makes it difficult for you to see the beautiful finish that it once had. But have no fear! With proper cleaning and maintenance, your old wooden furniture will be restored back to its original shine in no time. We'll show you how to wipe away that layer of grime, then scrub off the stains. Then, we'll fill you in on some easy maintenance to make sure your old furniture looks as spiffy as the day it was made.

Things You Should Know

  • Wipe down the furniture with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water.
  • Scrub any crevices with a toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste.
  • Make a paste with baking soda and water, and use it to scrub away stubborn stains.
  • Restore and preserve the finish by wiping steeped black tea and lemon oil onto the wood.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using a Mild Cleaning Solution

  1. Image titled Clean Old Wooden Furniture Step 1
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    Test dishwashing soap on an inconspicuous location. Before you clean your old wooden furniture with dishwashing soap, you need to test it out to make sure it won't damage the wood or the finish.[1] Take a damp cotton ball, add 1 drop of liquid dish soap, then wipe it on a hidden location, like the inside of a chair leg. If the detergent strips or ruins the finish, do not use it.[2]
    • Wait about 5 minutes after you apply the soap before you check it to make sure it won't damage your old wooden furniture.
    • If the soap damages the finish, clean it with just water.
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    Mix mild dishwashing soap and warm water to form a cleaning solution. In a medium-sized bucket, combine 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of dishwashing soap and 1⁄2 gallon (1.9 L) of warm water.[3] Stir them well to combine them. Make sure the soap is fully combined with the water and you have a frothy cleaning solution.[4]
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    Wipe the wooden furniture clean with the soap and water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out to remove excess water. Wipe down the entire piece of furniture, making sure you get into the nooks and crannies. Rub the cloth lightly over the surface of the wood in a circular motion.[5]
    • Rinse the cloth whenever it's visibly dirty. Be sure to wring it out thoroughly whenever you soak it in the cleaning solution.
    • Do not soak or saturate the wood or you could damage it!
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    Use non-gel toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean the crevices. If your old wooden furniture has stains in nooks and crannies that are hard to reach, apply some non-gel toothpaste to the area and wait 5 minutes to let it soak in. Then, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the toothpaste away.[6]

    Tip: Brush in a soft, circular motion to lift the stains.

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    Dry the wood completely with a dry cloth. When you've finished wiping down the furniture with the cleaning solution, take a fresh, clean cloth and go over the surface of the wood to dry and buff it. Make sure every bit of the furniture is completely dry.
    • Use a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving any residue on the furniture.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Removing Stains

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    Use tea to restore the shine of the old wood. Boil 1 US quart (0.95 L) of water in a pot and steep 2 black tea bags in it for 10 minutes or until the water cools to room temperature. Take a clean, soft cloth, dip it into the tea, and wring out the excess water. Lightly wipe down the entire surface of the wood, but don't saturate the wood with the tea.[7]
    • The tannic acid in the tea will help maintain the wood and restore its shine.
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    Mix baking soda and non-gel toothpaste to remove water stains. To remove difficult water rings from your old wooden furniture, combine equal parts baking soda and non-gel toothpaste, and apply it directly to the stain. Rub the mixture with a soft cloth until the stain is removed.[8]
    • Make sure you dry the wood thoroughly after you remove the baking soda and toothpaste mixture.
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    Remove difficult marks with baking soda and water. For especially stubborn marks, like ink or scuff marks, mix together 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baking soda and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stain and gently rub it with a clean, soft cloth until the stain is removed.[9]
    • Wipe the paste completely off of the wood and make sure the wood is thoroughly dry.
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    Wipe a layer of lemon oil on the wood to preserve the finish. After you've cleaned your old wooden furniture, wipe a layer of commercially prepared lemon oil over the entire surface to preserve the finish and make it shine. Apply the lemon oil in a circular motion for an even coat.[10]

    Tip: Make your own polishing mixture by combining 1 cup (240 mL) of olive oil and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) cup of white vinegar.

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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Old Wooden Furniture

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    Dust your old wooden furniture regularly. An easy way to prevent the buildup of dust that can lead to grime and stains is to dust the furniture at least once every 3 months. Use a duster or a clean cloth to wipe down any dust that's collected on the furniture.[11]
    • Don't use spray dusters like Pledge on old wooden furniture or it could damage the wood or the finish.
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    Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight. Place your old wooden furniture away from windows or anywhere else where the UV light from the sun can reach it. The sunlight can warp and damage the wood.[12]
    • Don't keep your old wooden furniture outside or it will start to break down.
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    Check for pests or insects in the furniture. Mice, rats, roaches, and termites can damage the integrity of your furniture. The soft wood of the old furniture can make it an especially attractive meal to rodents and pests who will chew through the wood.[13]
    • If your furniture is infested, call an exterminator immediately.

    Tip: Check for crumbles or bite marks in the wood to see if a pest is eating it.

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    Store your old wooden furniture in a dark, dry place. Heat and humidity can damage the old wood of your furniture so store it in a dry place that isn't hotter than 85 °F (29 °C). Place a protective cover over the furniture to keep it from being scuffed or damaged.[14]
    • Do not store your old wooden furniture in an attic unless it is climate controlled.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you remove grime from wood furniture?
    Guy Peters
    Guy Peters
    House Cleaning Professional
    Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.
    Guy Peters
    Guy Peters
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Start with a combination of dish soap and water, but always test in a hidden area first. Never apply the water directly, since wood will quickly absorb most liquids. Too much water could cause warping or other damage.
  • Question
    Can you clean old wood with mineral spirits?
    Guy Peters
    Guy Peters
    House Cleaning Professional
    Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.
    Guy Peters
    Guy Peters
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Yes! For tougher spots or heavily worn pieces, mineral spirits are a great option. Be careful, though: you’ll need to have a well-ventilated area to work in. Remember to always start on a hidden area and use a cotton ball or soft rag to apply.
  • Question
    Why is my wooden furniture sticky after cleaning?
    Guy Peters
    Guy Peters
    House Cleaning Professional
    Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.
    Guy Peters
    Guy Peters
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Always start cleaning with a light dusting to remove any loose debris. Not only will that help you get a better idea of where the grime spots are, but it will also prevent the dust from causing stickiness problems in the next steps.
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References

  1. ↑ Guy Peters. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-wood-furniture/
  3. ↑ Guy Peters. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
  4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-wood-furniture/
  5. ↑ Guy Peters. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
  6. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-wood-furniture
  7. ↑ https://cleanmyspace.com/wood-furniture-cleaning-secrets/
  8. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-wood-furniture
  9. ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-wood-furniture
  1. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/diy-furniture-polish-and-scratch-remover/
  2. ↑ Guy Peters. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
  3. ↑ http://www.furniturecaretips.com/antique-furniture.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.furniturecaretips.com/antique-furniture.htm
  5. ↑ https://www.sparefoot.com/self-storage/blog/2876-furniture-storage-guide-wood-furniture-mattress-storage/

About This Article

Guy Peters
Co-authored by:
Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
This article was co-authored by Guy Peters. Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University. This article has been viewed 62,615 times.
19 votes - 91%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: March 14, 2023
Views: 62,615
Categories: Cleaning Furniture
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