How to Clean Old Wooden Furniture

Old wooden furniture needs extra care compared to newer furniture because it is more vulnerable to damage. If you want to prolong the life of the old furniture or even rejuvenate a tired-looking old furniture piece, often all you need is a good cleaning using the right techniques. Harsh cleaning materials and techniques might damage the surface or the finish of the wood permanently, so find out how to handle old wooden furniture before you attempt to do it.

Soft brush Liquid dishwashing detergent Soft cloths Phosphate-free trisodium phosphate (TSP) or substitutes Naphtha or mineral spirits Paste wax

Instructions

- 1
  Brush off any dirt from areas plated with silver or gold, and do not treat these fragile areas further.
- 2
  Mix 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent and 5 parts water. Dip a soft cloth in the soapy solution and rub the wooden surface gently to remove grime. Use different areas of the cloth to prevent the dirt from spreading. When finished, blot the wet areas dry using a clean soft cloth.
- 3
  Wipe off stains that persist using phosphate-free trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution or TSP substitutes and the same technique as when using the soapy solution. The original TSP, which contains phosphates, is not environment friendly and has been banned in some states.
- 4
  Dip a soft cloth in naphtha or mineral spirits, and use it to wipe off any oily grime or wax buildup. Be careful because naphtha is flammable and has a strong odor.
- 5
  Place a lump of paste wax in the center of a soft lint-free cloth. Twist the cloth into a ball and work the wax with your hands to soften it. Rub the cloth against the wooden surface, letting the paste wax bleed through. Apply the wax evenly and let it turn hazy. Use a clean piece of soft cloth to remove the excess wax and rub the surface until you get an even polish.

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