How to Clean Pesticide Residue From Furniture

If possible, cover any furniture before you spray pesticides or use an indoor fogging system. Ideally, search for environmentally safe alternatives to eliminate pests. Try nontoxic methods first, and resort to pesticides only if the nontoxic methods don't work. Always follow application and clean-up instructions on a pesticide product.

Put on a new pair of rubber gloves. Old gloves may have holes that can expose your skin to pesticide. Fill a bucket with warm, sudsy water and 1/4 cup of bleach. Dip rags into the solution, and wipe down all surfaces of the furniture. Go over the surfaces at least two times. Reserve the solution in a container with a lid, and dispose of it at the hazardous waste facility of your county dump.

Pour salt on hard surfaces, and add enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub it in with a rag, and then rinse it off completely with fresh water. This method should not be done on any surface that will scratch or on varnished wood, as the lemon juice will leave a haze on the shine.

Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar in a 1-gallon bucket of water. Dip rags into the solution, and wipe the surfaces of the furniture. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which will help break down the sticky residue, but should not be used on painted surfaces because it might harm the finish. Rinse the furniture with fresh water.

Dip rags into rubbing alcohol, and apply it to all the furniture surfaces. Do not use alcohol near fire or while smoking. Wipe the entire piece with the rags. Allow the rags to air-dry, and then dispose of them at a hazardous waste site.