Methods for Cleaning Stained Wood

Homemade Cleaning Solution

• Chances are you already have the ingredients for an inexpensive but very effective cleaner for your stained wood surfaces. Start by filling a bucket with warm, but not hot, water. Then add 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil and 1/4 cup of a mild dishwashing soap. This solution is mild enough that it will not harm the wood or leave a residue or film, but powerful enough to remove even the most stubborn dirt. In addition to its cleaning effectiveness, the vegetable oil in the solution helps to polish the wood and keep it shiny.

Cleaning Materials

• When you clean stained wood, it is important that the items you use are clean and soft. Always use a new cloth and sponge each time you clean a piece of stained furniture or stained hardwood floor. If you reuse an old cloth, you could be reintroducing old dirt into the surface of the wood or even creating fine scratches that will be difficult and time consuming to buff out. Start by wetting the sponge with your homemade or commercial cleaning solution and wipe the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then dry the surface completely with a soft cloth. Finish by buffing the wood with another clean dry cloth.

Commercial Products

• If you do not have time to make a homemade cleaning solution, or if you find that solution gives you substandard results, you can choose from a host of commercial wood cleaning products. Just be sure to choose a product that is designed for stained wood surfaces, since those surfaces need special care. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning solution and apply it as directed. Again, you will need a clean sponge and a couple of clean cloths to remove dirt and polish the stained wood surface.

Regular Dusting

• Regular dusting of your stained wood surface can be just as important as periodic cleaning. The dust in your home can quickly accumulate on the wood furniture and floors in your home, and if it is not removed on a regular basis it can eventually get into the wood grain and cause it to dull. Keep a feather duster nearby and dust your stained wood furniture every time you clean. When you vacuum, use the brush attachment to clean the wood surfaces in the room before moving on.