Old wood furniture may have been exposed to a layer of dirt so you can hardly see the beautiful finish it used to have. However, don't worry! With proper cleaning and care, old wood furniture will return to its original luster in no time. Since the wood is older, you should start cleaning with a mild cleaning solution to remove dust and dirt. After that, all you have to do is remove any stains or stains and apply a light finish, and your furniture will look like new again! With proper care, your old wooden furniture will still look clean and shiny.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Step 1. Test dish soap on a hidden piece of furniture
Before cleaning old wooden furniture with dish soap, you should test it first to make sure the soap doesn't damage the wood or finish. Take a wet cotton ball, add 1 drop of liquid dish soap, then wipe it in a hidden place, like the inside of a chair leg. If the soap erodes or spoils the finish, don't use it!
- Wait about 5 minutes after you apply the soap before checking to make sure the soap won't damage old wooden furniture.
- If the soap spoils the finish, wipe it off only with water.
Step 2. Mix mild dish soap with warm water to make a cleaning solution
In a medium-sized bucket, mix 30 ml (2 tbsp.) of dish soap with 2 liters of warm water. Stir until smooth to mix. Make sure the soap is thoroughly mixed with the water and that you have a foamy cleaning solution.
Step 3. Wipe the wooden furniture clean with soap and water
Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out to remove excess water. Wipe all over the furniture, making sure you reach the nooks and crannies. Rub the cloth lightly over the wooden surface in a circular motion.
- Rinse the cloth when it looks dirty. Make sure you wring it out vigorously after dipping it in the cleaning solution.
- Do not soak or wet the wood as this can damage it.
Step 4. Use a non-gel toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean the gaps
If hard-to-reach nooks and crannies look stained, apply toothpaste to the area and wait 5 minutes for it to absorb. After that, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently rub the toothpaste.
Tip:
Rub gently in a circular motion to remove the stain.
Step 5. Dry the wood thoroughly with a dry cloth
After you've finished scrubbing the furniture with the cleaning solution, take a new, clean cloth and wipe the wood surface to dry and scrub it. Make sure all pieces of furniture are completely dry.
Use a lint-free cloth so that there is no residue on the furniture
Method 2 of 3: Removing Stains on Old Wood Furniture
Step 1. Use tea to restore shine to old wood
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a saucepan and steep 2 black tea bags for 10 minutes or until the water cools to room temperature. Take a clean soft cloth, dip it in the tea, then squeeze out the remaining water. Lightly wipe the entire wood surface, but don't wet it with tea water.
The tannic acid in the tea will help preserve the wood and restore its shine
Step 2. Mix baking soda and non-gel toothpaste to remove water stains
To remove stubborn water spots from old wooden furniture, mix equal parts baking soda and toothpaste and apply directly to the stain. Rub the mixture with a soft cloth until the stain is gone.
Make sure you dry the wood thoroughly after cleaning the baking soda and toothpaste mixture
Step 3. Clean stubborn spots with baking soda and water
For spots that are very difficult to remove, such as ink or streaks, mix 15 ml (1 tbsp) baking soda and 5 ml (1 tsp) water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stain and rub gently with a clean, soft cloth until the stain is gone.
Wipe the paste clean of the wood and make sure the wood is completely dry
Step 4. Apply a layer of lemon oil on the wood for a durable finish
After you clean old wooden furniture, apply a coat of commercial lemon oil over the entire surface to preserve the finish and give it a glossy finish. Rub the lemon oil in a circular motion so that the coating is even.
Tip:
Make your own polish by mixing 250 ml (1 cup) of olive oil with 50 ml (¼ cup) of white vinegar.
Method 3 of 3: Caring For Old Wooden Furniture
Step 1. Clean old wooden furniture regularly
An easy way to prevent the buildup of dust that can cause dirt and stains is to clean the furniture at least every 3 months. Use a duster or clean cloth to wipe off any dust that has accumulated on the furniture.
Do not use a dust sprayer such as Pledge on old wooden furniture as this could damage the wood or the finish
Step 2. Keep furniture out of direct sunlight
Keep old wooden furniture away from windows or other places exposed to UV rays from the sun. Sunlight can bend and damage wood.
Do not put old wooden furniture outside as it will damage it
Step 3. Check for pests or insects on the furniture
Shrubs, mice, cockroaches, and termites can damage the quality of furniture. Old furniture made of softwood can be a very attractive food for rodents and pests that like to chew on wood.
If your furniture is attacked by pests, immediately contact a pest exterminator
Tip:
Check the wood for chips or bite marks to see if any pests have eaten it.
Step 4. Store old wooden furniture in a dark and dry place
Heat and humidity can damage the old wood on your furniture. So, store it in a dry place no hotter than 30 °C. Place the shield over the furniture to prevent it from being scratched or damaged.
