Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Using a mild cleanser
• Method 2 of 3: Remove stains
• Method 3 of 3: Maintain old wooden furniture

Your old wooden furniture may have a layer of dirt that makes it difficult to see the beautiful finish it once had. But don't fear! With proper cleaning and maintenance, your old wooden furniture will regain its original shine in no time. Since the wood is older, you should start with a mild detergent to get rid of the dust and dirt. Then it's just a matter of removing stains and smudges from the furniture and applying a light finish and they'll be as good as new again! With proper maintenance, your old wooden furniture will keep looking clean and shiny.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Using a mild cleanser

1. Try dish soap on an inconspicuous place first. Before cleaning your old wood furniture with dish soap, test it out to make sure it won't affect the wood or finish. Take a damp cotton ball, add one drop of liquid dish soap, and then wipe it in a hidden place, such as the inside of a chair leg. If the dish soap removes or ruins the finish, don't use it.
   • Wait about five minutes after applying the soap to make sure it won't damage your old wooden furniture.
   • If the soap damages the surface, clean it with just water.
2. Mix mild dish soap and warm water to a cleaning solution. In a medium bucket, mix 30 ml of dish soap and 2 l of warm water. Stir well to mix. Make sure the soap is completely mixed with the water and you have a foamy cleaning solution.
3. Rub the wooden furniture with the soap and water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out to get the excess water out. Wipe the entire piece of furniture, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies. Lightly rub the surface with the cloth in a circular motion.
   • Rinse the cloth if it gets dirty. Make sure to wring it out every time you dip it in the cleaning solution.
   • Do not soak the wood, otherwise you could damage it!
4. Use non-gel toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean the crevices. If your old wood furniture has stains in nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach, apply some non-gel toothpaste to the area and wait five minutes for it to set. Then take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the toothpaste off.

   Tip: brush in a gentle circular motion to get the stains out.

   
   
5. Dry the wood completely with a dry cloth. When you are done wiping the furniture with the detergent, take a new and clean cloth and run over the surface of the wood to dry and polish it. Make sure all pieces of the furniture are completely dry.
   • Use a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving a residue on the furniture.

Method 2 of 3: Remove stains

1. Use tea to restore the shine to the old wood. Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a saucepan and infuse 2 black tea bags for 10 minutes or until the water has cooled to room temperature. Take a clean soft cloth, dip it in the tea and squeeze out the excess water. Lightly wipe the entire surface of the wood, but do not soak the wood.
   • The tannic acid in the tea helps maintain the wood and restore its shine.
2. Mix baking soda and toothpaste without gel to remove water stains. To remove tough water rings from your old wood furniture, mix equal parts baking soda and non-gel toothpaste and apply directly to the stain. Rub the mixture on with a soft cloth until the stain is removed.
   • Make sure to dry the wood thoroughly after removing the baking soda and toothpaste mixture.
3. Remove tough stains with baking soda and water. For particularly stubborn stains, such as ink or chafing, mix 15g baking soda and 5ml water into a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stain and rub gently with a clean soft cloth until the stain is removed.
   • Wipe the paste completely off the wood and make sure the wood is completely dry.
4. Rub a layer of lemon oil on the wood to maintain the finish. After you've cleaned your old wood furniture, wipe a coat of commercially available lemon oil all over the surface to maintain the finish and make it shine. Apply the lemon oil in a circular motion to get an even layer.

   Tip: make your own cleaning mixture by mixing 250 ml olive oil with 60 ml white vinegar.

   
   

Method 3 of 3: Maintain old wooden furniture

1. Dust your old wooden furniture regularly. An easy way to prevent the build-up of dust, which can lead to dirt and stains, is to dust the furniture at least once every three months. Use a duster or a clean cloth to wipe the dust that has collected on the furniture.
   • Don't use aerosol sprays like Pledge on old wood furniture or you could damage the wood or finish.
2. Keep your furniture out of the sun. Move your old wood furniture away from windows or anywhere else UV light from the sun cannot reach it. The sunlight can warp and damage the wood.
   • Don't leave your old wooden furniture outside or it will start to crumble.
3. Check for pests or insects in the furniture. Mice, rats, cockroaches, and termites can affect the composition of your furniture. The soft wood of old furniture can be a particularly appealing meal for rodents and pests that can chew through the wood.
   • If your furniture is contaminated, call an exterminator immediately.

   Tip: look for crumbs or bite marks in the wood to see if pests are eating.

   
   
4. Keep your old wooden furniture in a dark and dry place. Heat and humidity can damage the old wood on your furniture, so keep them in a dry place where it does not exceed 29 ° C. Put a protective cover over the furniture to prevent it from being scratched or damaged.
   • Don't keep your old wooden furniture in an attic unless it is air-conditioned.