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How to Clean & Care for Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture, particularly hardwood furniture, is one of the most durable options available. However, even the strongest pieces can still fall victim to everyday wear and tear. Stains, scuffs, and scratches are bound to happen now and again, so learning how to take proper care of your furniture is key to keeping it looking as good as new. 

While cleaning and caring for wooden furniture might sound tricky initially, it can actually be surprisingly simple. With the right tools and know-how, you can clean, restore, and protect your wooden furniture, so it can continue to take pride of place in your home.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for your wooden furniture. We’ll answer all your wood furniture questions, including:

Solid Mango Wood Sideboard

How to clean wooden furniture

A gentle approach is always best when cleaning wooden furniture to avoid damaging its natural beauty. For everyday dusting, a damp microfibre cloth should be enough to collect the dust and bring your furniture back to life. Just remember to dry it down with a second lint-free cloth afterwards. If your wooden furniture is untreated, use a dry microfibre cloth as water can warp the wood.

Most wooden furniture will be treated with a matte or shiny lacquer. As this will help protect the surface of the wood, you may find that you’ll only need to clean your furniture around once a week by giving it a light dusting. However, if you notice that your furniture has gathered some everyday dirt and damage, don’t worry, you can get it looking as good as new with a few little tricks.

How to clean grime off wood furniture

If you’ve noticed a few spots of dirt while dusting, you can give your wooden furniture a deeper clean using a clean microfibre cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Make sure that the soap is not strongly perfumed and take care to wring out the majority of the water from your cloth before cleaning wood furniture, as the excess liquid can damage and stain the wood’s finish.

You can also use a specialist wood cleaner designed to be gentle on wooden surfaces — you can buy this in most supermarkets. If you use a wood cleaner, be sure to dilute it according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you test the solution on an inconspicuous area before cleaning. If the wood is fine, you can carry on cleaning the rest of the piece as normal. To avoid scratches while you’re cleaning, use a gentle wiping motion that goes with the grain of the wood and avoid pressing down and applying excessive pressure.

Once clean, be sure to dry your furniture down with a second lint-free cloth before polishing. This method will be gentle enough to use on all types of wooden furniture, including Sheesham and mango wood.

This method should be your very first step to remove dirt, marks, and stains from wood furniture. In most cases, this will be enough. Specially made wood cleaning sprays and detergents are designed to remove all kinds of marks including sticky residue and stains while being gentle on the wood. However, if you haven’t got any wood cleaner to hand and some stubborn dirt persists, then you can follow the advice below to remove it.

How to remove sticky residue from wood furniture

For more stubborn, sticky dirt or oil, you may need a little more force. The first step to take is to continue the warm soapy water method or wood cleaner for a little longer. This is usually enough to remove any sticky residue from your wood furniture. But, if the dirt won’t shift, you could try a mild vinegar solution which is gentle enough to avoid damaging the wood. Natural cleaning solutions like this are often kinder to the wood and can help protect your furniture’s shape and finish.

It’s important to note that if your furniture has been finished with shellac, you should only use mild soap to clean it. Luckily, shellac coatings can be easy to clean, so this should be enough to remove most marks and stains. If your shellac furniture needs a deeper clean, then you may need to get it professionally restored.

How to clean wood furniture with vinegar

  1. Mix two teaspoons of white vinegar in 250ml of warm water into a bowl. You can also use a spray bottle to give you more control. For really stubborn marks, you might want to add a teaspoon of washing-up liquid to break down the dirt and grime.
  2. If you’re using a bowl, dip a clean microfibre cloth into the vinegar solution and wring it out. The cloth should be damp but not wet.
  3. Test the vinegar solution on an inconspicuous area.
  4. If the wood seems fine, wipe down the rest of the surface, going with the grain. Continue as needed until the sticky residue has gone.
  5. Rinse your cloth in clean water and wipe over the surface to remove any leftover sticky residue and vinegar solution.
  6. Dry your surface with a second clean, dry microfibre cloth.
  7. Polish the surface.

Be sure to use a mild vinegar solution using the measurements above and avoid exposing your wooden furniture to vinegar for long periods of time. Although vinegar is a natural cleaner that is gentle enough to be used on wood, prolonged exposure could cause the wood to degrade.

How to remove stains from wooden furniture

Spills are bound to happen now and again, no matter how hard you try to avoid them. Wooden dining tables, coffee tables, and side tables in particular can gather food and water stains. Luckily, the quicker you treat the stain, the easier it is to remove it completely. If the stain is new, wipe up as much residue as you can then try the vinegar method above or one of the steps below. If the stain has been around for a while, one of the below methods may work, but it may be more difficult to remove completely.

Please note that these steps should be taken at your discretion and used only if the cleaning methods above don’t work.

The toothpaste method

  1. Apply a small amount of non-gel and non-whitening toothpaste to a clean microfibre cloth. For heat stains, you may want to mix in a little baking soda with the toothpaste to give it a bit of extra cleaning power.
  2. Gently rub the toothpaste into the stain.
  3. Wipe away the toothpaste residue with a clean damp cloth.
  4. Dry the surface with a towel or dry lint-free cloth before polishing.

The baking soda method

  1. Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water.
  2. Dip a clean, microfibre cloth into the mixture.
  3. Wipe the cloth across the stain. It can take anywhere from five to 10 minutes for the stain to completely disappear.
  4. Wipe away any residue with a clean damp cloth.
  5. Dry the surface with a towel or dry lint-free cloth before polishing.

The petroleum jelly method

  1. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to the stain, making sure it is all covered.
  2. Let it sit overnight. The petroleum jelly will penetrate the stain and replace the trapped water with oil, moisturising the wood and lifting the water stain.
  3. Wipe the petroleum jelly from the surface with a clean microfibre cloth.
  4. If the stain persists, repeat the process.
  5. Polish the surface once the stain has gone.

The wire wool method

If you come across any particularly stubborn marks then you might be able to remove them with 0000-grade wire wool. However, this should only be used as a last resort and a fresh wax coating should be applied immediately after to ensure all areas of the wood are protected.

How to remove furniture wax from wood furniture

If you’ve noticed some white staining that can’t be removed with the methods above, then it could be a build-up of the finish. Some pieces of furniture are finished with wax, usually beeswax, which gives it a pleasing shine and smoothness. Sometimes this wax can cause white patches either through use or on spots where the wax hasn’t been rubbed in properly. In these instances, you can remove the wax with a mixture of half vinegar and half water or with a specialty wax remover designed for wooden furniture.

For really stubborn wax, try mixing 250ml of white vinegar with a tablespoon of cream of tartar and rubbing it across the stain, being careful to work with the grain of the wood. Wipe away any excess wax and cleaner with a damp cloth and buff it dry.

How to remove candle wax from wood furniture

A nice, scented candle and a few blankets make the perfect combo for a cosy night on the sofa, and a little spilt wax doesn’t have to put an end to your relaxing night in. In fact, wax can be surprisingly easy to remove.

The best method to take is to let the wax cool and harden — you can apply a bag of ice to speed this process up. The wax should then lift off effortlessly. Try to avoid scraping the wax if you can, as this could scratch your furniture.

For any wax that won’t lift off, lay an old cloth or towel across the stain and use a hair dryer to apply heat in 15-second bursts (this will stop excess heat from warping the wood). As the wax melts and then cools, it should lift from the wood and be absorbed by the fabric instead.

How to remove odours from wood furniture

If you’ve noticed a smell coming from your wood furniture, there are a few steps you can take to remove it. The first stage is to place a bowl of baking soda inside the drawers or cupboards for at least a week. This may sound simple, but baking soda is surprisingly useful for absorbing smells and the longer it is left, the more powerful it will be.

Some smells, such as smoke, can be particularly stubborn. If some of the smell persists, then you can try cleaning each surface with a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water. The vinegar will work to neutralise the odour. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell either as this will dissipate quickly.

How to remove mould from wooden furniture

If your furniture has been left in a damp or humid area, or if you’ve found an antique piece you’d like to restore, then you might have noticed small spots of mould on the surface. Not only can this be damaging to the wood, but mould spores in the air can be toxic to humans, especially for people with respiratory issues or allergies. So, removing the mould and stopping it from spreading should be your utmost priority.

  1. Take the piece of furniture into a well-ventilated room. You should also open all windows in the room you’re working in.
  2. Put on a long-sleeved top, rubber gloves, and if possible, a mask and a pair of goggles.
  3. Mix together one part bleach to nine parts water.
  4. Remove all items from the piece of furniture and clean in the diluted bleach. This will remove any spores and prevent the mould from spreading.
  5. Pour away the bleach mixture then rinse and dry your items.
  6. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove as much mould as you can from the furniture.
  7. Create another mixture of half water and half white vinegar.
  8. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture, wring it out, and test on an inconspicuous area.
  9. If the wood is fine, continue cleaning the mouldy areas with the vinegar solution. The acid in the vinegar will work to kill the mould at its roots.
  10. Let the solution sit on the wood for about an hour.
  11. Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any remaining solution.
  12. Leave your furniture to dry. You can use a fan to speed this process up if you wish.

How to polish wood furniture

You should polish your wood furniture every six weeks or after a deep clean to restore its beautiful shine. To keep your furniture looking its best, avoid polish containing silicone as it can leave a residue and dry out the wood. If you’re choosing a shop-bought polish, then try to opt for a spray polish which will offer more control. When applying your polish, hold the can away from the furniture to prevent the spray from becoming liquid and pooling — this can discolour the wood. Lightly spray the product and immediately work into your furniture with a microfibre cloth.

How to polish wood furniture naturally

You can also make your own silicone-free wood polish from ingredients you’ll no doubt have around your home already. Using a mixture of one part white vinegar, one part olive oil, and a small squeeze of lemon juice, you can polish your wood furniture naturally. The vinegar and lemon will act as mild cleaners, while the olive oil will restore moisture and shine.

Be sure to test this mixture on an inconspicuous area first. If don’t notice any signs of damage, you can continue polishing your furniture with your homemade natural wood polish and a soft, microfibre cloth.

As with cleaning your furniture, excess moisture could damage the wood, so you should always wring your cloth out to remove most of the liquid before polishing your wooden furniture.

How to clean old wooden furniture

Since wooden furniture is some of the most durable around, it’ll no doubt last for generations to come. If you’ve recently come into possession of a family heirloom, or you’ve discovered a beautiful piece in your local antique shop, then you might be wondering how to clean your old wooden furniture and get it looking as good as new.

Before you restore your furniture, you’ll need to know what kind of finish it has so you know how to clean it. To do this, dip a cotton bud in some methylated spirits and rub it on an inconspicuous area of your antique furniture — somewhere on the back or underneath the piece, for example.

If the furniture’s finish dissolves, then it’s most likely shellac and you’ll need to clean it with soap and water only. If the finish doesn’t dissolve then it is most likely lacquer, varnish, oil, or polyurethane. In this instance, you can clean your old wood furniture using any of the methods above for removing grime, sticky residue, or stains.

Sometimes old furniture can have a musty smell. This is usually a sign of mould. In this case, you can follow our tips above for removing mould and mildew from wooden furniture, as well as our tips for getting rid of odours.

How to repair damaged wood furniture

Wooden furniture is incredibly durable, but everyday bumps and scratches are bound to occur over time, and while you may think these are here to stay, most minor damage can be removed surprisingly easily.

How to repair surface scratches on wood furniture

If you have small scratches or dents in your furniture that feel smooth as you run your finger over them, then they’re likely to be surface scratches. These can easily be covered up with a few clever tricks.

The nut method

One of the simplest methods of blending surface scratches in wood is using a nut. You’ll want to choose a nut that’s closest to the colour of your wood. Then, simply rub the nut along the scratch until it disappears. The natural oil in the nut will gently stain the wood and help the scratch blend back into the wood.

The oil and vinegar method

Another natural way to restore damaged wood furniture is by using a simple mixture of two parts olive oil with one part white vinegar. Dip a small part of a microfibre cloth into the mixture and gently wipe the scratches until they disappear.

How to fix water-damaged swollen wood furniture

If your furniture has suffered from water damage, your first step is to dry the piece out. This can take some time depending on the extent of the damage, but it’s well worth the wait. Drying water-damaged and swollen wood too quickly can cause it to crack, so keeping it in a well-ventilated room out of direct sunlight is best. If your furniture can be disassembled and put back together easily, then you may benefit from taking it apart to help each piece dry completely.

Once your furniture has dried completely, you can start to repair any visible damage. The best option here is to take it to a professional restorer, particularly if your furniture is severely damaged. However, if your furniture only shows minor damage, you may be able to fix it yourself.

Any pieces that have become loose or will need any extra support can be carefully moved back into place and secured with extra fixings or wood glue. For more visible damage, you may need to use some wood filler (available in most DIY shops) to fill in any gaps.

If your wood has become bumpy as a result of the water damage or repairs, you can use a sander to smoothen out the surface. You can then stain and revarnish the piece to get it looking as good as new.

How to care for wooden furniture

Knowing how to clean and repair your wooden furniture can help keep it looking as good as new but taking proper care of your pieces will ensure it lasts as long as possible.

There are two main causes of damage to wood furniture: heat and water. If exposed to either of these for a long period of time, small cracks can appear in the wood. This is a big concern, particularly for Indian woods like mango and Sheesham which are used to humid environments. Cracks can compromise the integrity of the wood and, if left untreated, allow for more damage as time goes on. Depending on the size of the crack and its location, you might find the piece cannot hold as much weight or is as durable as it used to be.

Some features can become warped when exposed to heat or water. While some people might see this as a unique characteristic of the furniture, it can affect the shape, colour, and durability of the wood. By following our wooden furniture care advice below, you can protect your wood and prevent water damage, heat damage, and cracks from happening.

Avoid sources of heat

Excessive heat can cause drying and ultimately warping or cracking of natural wood products. Keeping your wooden furniture away from direct heat sources, like radiators, fireplaces, underfloor heating, or direct sunlight, is a must. You may find that you need to close your curtains and blinds during the day when the sun is particularly bright to minimise exposure. You could also rotate the position of your furniture periodically to allow for even exposure to light.

Protect from water

All-natural wood furniture, such as mango wood and Sheesham wood, is susceptible to water damage, so make sure you keep it away from sources of water and other liquids (such as steaming kettles, spraying taps etc.). You can use coasters, tablecloths, and other types of covers to protect surfaces and avoid ring marks caused by hot mugs, plates, or wet glasses. These are available in a wide variety of designs, so you’re bound to find an option that’s stylish as well as functional. Just be sure to change any protective or decorative linen regularly, as the colour can leach into the wood.

If any spills do occur, clean them up as quickly as possible to avoid the wood absorbing the liquid and cracking or warping.

Apply wax

Many pieces of wooden furniture will be finished with wax or lacquer which protects the wood and prevents it from drying out and eventually cracking or warping. This finish can wear off over time, so will need to be reapplied around twice a year.

Try to use the same finishing that was applied to your furniture originally. If you’re dealing with mango or Sheesham wood, we recommend natural (clear) beeswax, which can be bought in most DIY shops. This will help restore moisture, protect the surface, and enhance the beautiful natural colour and grain of the wood.

Most furniture waxes are applied using a method similar to the one below, however it’s worth consulting the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to apply your specific wax.

  1. Dust, clean, and dry your furniture.
  2. Use a lint-free cloth to spread a thin layer of wax over the surface of the wood, finishing in the direction of the grain.
  3. Leave the wax to sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Buff the furniture with a clean, microfibre cloth.

Avoid chemicals

You’ll notice that all the cleaning methods we’ve advised use natural ingredients. This is because many household cleaning products contain ingredients that can damage the wood. For example, ammonia or bleach detergents can both remove the wood’s finish and cause discolouration. Silicone-based polishes can leave a residue on the wood’s surface and prolonged use can damage the wood’s finish while abrasive cleaners can cause more damage to the wood’s surface. The natural methods of cleaning wood we’ve mentioned in this guide will help remove any dirt, grime, and stains, without damaging your furniture.

You should also be wary of any chemicals or liquids that are being stored on your wooden furniture. Some household objects, such as perfumes, nail polish, deodorants or anything alcohol-based can damage the finish if they leak, so it’s best to store them away from your wooden furniture.

Protect from wear and tear

Avoiding as much wear and tear as possible can help preserve the look of your wooden furniture. Of course, general bumps and scratches are bound to happen, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent bigger instances of damage. For example, be sure to keep your furniture away from doors or anything that will regularly collide with it.

Proper use and care of your furniture will also help prolong its lifespan, so avoid rocking on chairs and dragging furniture, as this can weaken the furniture’s joints and integrity.

Wooden furniture is some of the most beautiful and durable around and with proper care and cleaning, you can keep it looking brand new for years to come. The tips in this guide will help you tackle all kinds of care, from everyday cleaning of your wooden furniture to repairing water damage.

Now that you know everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for your wooden furniture, you’ll see how easy it can be. So, why not add wooden furniture all throughout your home? We stock a wide selection of mango, Sheesham, and reclaimed wood furniture for your living room, dining room, bedroom, and home office, so shop the range today and be sure to check out our blog for some styling tips and more.