How to Care for Old Wood Furniture

If you are a collector of antique and older wood furniture pieces, you know the challenge of keeping your furniture clean and in perfect condition. Over time, and with normal usage, solid wood furniture can become stained and dirty. Older furniture requires extra care in order to prevent destroying the wood and the original finish. Daily dusting and occasional deep cleaning can help prevent your furniture from getting dirty. Surface dirt and oils can be cleaned easily with a few simple steps.

Small brush
Soft cloth
Bowl
Water
Dish detergent
Cheesecloth
Furniture wax

Instructions

- 1
  Test your cleaning products on an inconspicuous area, such as the back of the furniture.
- 2
  Rub all handles and metal hardware with a soft brush to clean any surface dirt.
- 3
  Brush all surfaces with a soft cloth to remove any dust and loose dirt.
- 4
  Mix together a squirt of liquid dish washing detergent and water in a small bowl. Dampen a small area of a soft cloth and rub the furniture gently. Dry each area with a dry cloth.
- 5
  Apply a solvent-based cleaning wax to remove any dirt that the detergent did not remove. Rub a small amount of the wax onto the furniture with a cheesecloth and buff off with a soft, dry cloth. Wax small sections at a time.

Hints on How to Care for Scratches on Leather Furniture

Homemade Citrus Spray as a Cat Deterrent

Furniture Care