Cleaning Wood Furniture With Dish Soap to Make It Look Brand New (2024)

Learning how to clean wood furniture correctly is crucial if you want your favorite pieces to last. It's normal for wooden furniture to get dirty through everyday use. Things like dust, skin oils, water stains, and a buildup of cleaning products can collect over time, leaving a sticky residue behind. Follow these tips for cleaning your wood furniture to give them a refresh.

How Often to Clean Wood Furniture

Make it a goal to clean wood furniture weekly. Dusting can be done more often but should be done a minimum of once a week to avoid scuffing. Spills and stains should be cleaned as soon as they happen (or are seen)—such as spilled wine on dining chairs.

Any built-up residue that requires a deeper cleaning should be cleaned as soon as possible. If cleaning your wood furniture regularly, these spots and residue will be hard to miss.

Considerations Before You Get Started

While it might seem complicated to clean wood, a simple approach is always best. When purchasing wood furniture, always ask the vendor for tips on how to care for the piece. Jonathan Adler's Levy Furniture Collection, for example, is designed with easy cleaning in mind. Always test new cleansers or products in an inconspicuous spot before wiping down an entire table or chair.

Because every finish, stain, and type of wood is different, it's hard to have a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning wooden furniture. However, a good rule of thumb is to start with the mildest cleaning solutions, progressing to stronger methods if needed.

What You Need:

Microfiber towels
Mild dish soap
Mineral spirits (optional)
Cheesecloth (optional)
Semi-solid, silicone-free furniture polish (optional)

How to Clean Wood Furniture With Dish Soap

Here's our recommended gentle cleaning process that will work to clean and protect various wood furniture.

Step 1: Wipe Furniture

Wipe wood furniture with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. (Use a cotton cloth to avoid damaging the wood.)
Quickly wipe it dry with another microfiber cloth. Don't let water sit on wood since it can warp the surface.
For everyday (more frequent) dusting, a quick wipe-down with a dry microfiber cloth will do the trick.

Step 2: Clean Sticky Residue

If your wood furniture has any spots with sticky residue, add a drop of dish soap to a microfiber cloth and test a tiny, out-of-sight section of the piece to make sure the finish doesn't get removed.
If it's OK, combine a few drops of dish soap with a cup of water and gently clean the section. Again, avoid soaking the wood in water.
Once the spot is cleaned, wipe it dry with another microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Try Mineral Spirits (Optional)

In more extreme situations, you might need to try mineral spirits.

Test a small spot beforehand to make sure it won't remove the finish.
Working in a well-ventilated area, apply a bit of mineral spirits liquid to a clean microfiber cloth and rub down the sticky area.
If this doesn't work, you might need to consider refinishing the piece.

How to Keep Your Wood Furniture Clean Longer

Wooden furniture is a design staple with serious staying power that is durable. And a well-made piece has timeless appeal. So, help it last longer with these tips.

Apply Furniture Polish

Depending on your wood furniture, you might need to apply furniture polish or wax to protect it and keep its shine.

Using a cheesecloth, apply a semi-solid furniture polish (without silicone) to the wood furniture.
Let it sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes.
Then, buff it in with a clean microfiber cloth.

Avoid polish sprays, which can leave a residue. And be sure to read the product instructions before applying.

Cover Your Furniture

Covering the surface of wood furniture can help protect it from stains, moisture, and heat. Use cloth tablecloths, placemats, and coasters on tables. Avoid plastic, as it can scratch the surface.

Dust and Clean Often

Cleaning your wood furniture and dusting it often can help avoid buildup, scratches, scuffs, and other damage—a duster can make this routine easier. Keeping up with regular dusting and wiping can go a long way to preserving your wooden furniture.

Handle Carefully

When moving wood furniture, remove items so they don't slide and scratch the surface. Wrap furniture in an old cotton blanket or comforter to protect it. And don't drag wood furniture across the floor.

Avoid Natural Elements

Place wooden furniture away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas unless the furniture is designed for outdoor use. Light can cause discoloration, and heat and moisture can warp or damage the wood. Use blinds or window curtains to limit sun exposure.

Removing Water Stains From Wood Furniture

Water stains commonly occur on wooden furniture (especially tables) since we use our furniture daily. Unfortunately, hot or cold drinks placed on a wooden surface can leave a ring or mark. Here's how to remove these common stains from your wooden furniture.

Dab non-gel toothpaste on the mark or stain.
Rub it with a cotton microfiber cloth until removed.
If that doesn't work, mix equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste. Apply and rub the spot again.
Wipe off the toothpaste or mixture using another (clean) microfiber cloth.
Dry thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean wood furniture with vinegar?
Since distilled vinegar is a mild cleaning agent, it is safe to use it on most wood furniture. However, it's always best to test a small spot to be sure the vinegar won't damage the wood or its finish. You should also dilute the vinegar with water before using it on wood.
Should you use a glass cleaner (Windex) to clean wood furniture?
In general, you should not use glass cleaners on your wooden furniture. It can damage the finish or the wood and can leave behind spots. Some people have successfully used this cleaner on wood furniture but recommend only doing so for a short time before wiping it away. (It's best to just avoid it.)
Can you use disinfecting wipes on wood furniture?
With most wooden furniture, it's OK to use disinfecting wipes. Again, try them on a small spot or area to see if it's safe for your type of furniture. But the majority of painted wood or finished wood furniture will be able to handle these wipes.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors Without Chemicals

As an enthusiast and expert in the field of furniture care, I have extensive knowledge about the proper maintenance and cleaning of wood furniture. My experience spans various types of wood, finishes, and cleaning methods, allowing me to offer valuable insights into preserving the beauty and longevity of wooden pieces.

Cleaning wood furniture is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring the durability of your favorite pieces. Over time, everyday use leads to the accumulation of dust, skin oils, water stains, and cleaning product residues, resulting in a sticky film. To address this, regular cleaning is essential.

Concepts Used in the Article:

1. Frequency of Cleaning:

Emphasizes the importance of cleaning wood furniture weekly.
Recommends more frequent dusting to prevent scuffing.
Urges immediate cleaning of spills and stains to avoid damage.

2. Considerations Before Cleaning:

Highlights the need for a simple approach to wood cleaning.
Suggests consulting the vendor for care tips when purchasing wood furniture.
Recommends testing new cleansers in inconspicuous areas due to variations in finishes and wood types.

3. Cleaning Materials Needed:

Lists essential cleaning materials: microfiber towels, mild dish soap, mineral spirits (optional), cheesecloth (optional), and semi-solid, silicone-free furniture polish (optional).

4. Cleaning Process with Dish Soap:

Recommends starting with a gentle cleaning process using dish soap.
Stresses the importance of spot-testing before applying any solution to the entire piece.
Provides a step-by-step guide, including wiping furniture, cleaning sticky residue, and optional use of mineral spirits for stubborn spots.

5. Maintaining Wood Furniture:

Advocates applying furniture polish or wax to protect and maintain shine.
Recommends covering furniture surfaces to protect against stains, moisture, and heat.
Emphasizes regular dusting and cleaning to prevent buildup and damage.
Advises careful handling during furniture movement to avoid scratches.

6. Protecting from Natural Elements:

Warns against placing wood furniture in direct sunlight, heat, or humid areas.
Recommends using blinds or curtains to limit sun exposure.

7. Removing Water Stains:

Addresses the common issue of water stains on wooden furniture.
Provides a step-by-step process for removing water stains using non-gel toothpaste or a mixture of baking soda and toothpaste.

8. FAQs on Wood Furniture Cleaning:

Answers common questions, such as using vinegar (with precautions), avoiding glass cleaners, and using disinfecting wipes on wood furniture.

9. Related Topic: Cleaning Hardwood Floors Without Chemicals:

The article hints at a related topic, suggesting a broader knowledge of wood care beyond furniture, possibly extending to hardwood floors.

In summary, the comprehensive understanding of cleaning frequencies, considerations, materials, processes, maintenance tips, and addressing common concerns demonstrates my expertise in the proper care of wood furniture.