Keeping your furniture in top shape is important to retain its value. Learning how to
care for your wood furniture properly includes cleaning and polishing--keep these tips in mind when you need to bring your wood furniture back to life.
Cleaning your wood furniture 
Experts have differing opinions of what to use on wood furniture, but the bottom line is the finish on the piece. You should always ask for specific care and cleaning guidelines when you're purchasing furniture -- old or new.
When it comes to cleaning your
wood furniture, adhere to these basic rules:
- Never use an all-purpose cleaning spray unless the furniture has a plastic coating--such as the kind on kitchen tables and children's furniture.
- Avoid cleaning wood with water. Sometimes sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. To get rid of the sticky spot, dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry and then wipe the area clean. Rinse and immediately dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
- Avoid cleaning wood furniture with pure olive oil which smears and attracts dust.
For a
homemade recipe for cleaning wood furniture to revive any grimy wood furniture pieces, try a mixture of equal parts olive oil, denatured alcohol, gum turpentine and strained lemon juice. Apply the mixture with a soft cloth and buff with a clean cloth.
Wax
Varnish, polyurethane or shellac is applied to wood to protect the finish during manufacturing. Applying wax or polish protects the manufacturer's finish and helps to reduce surface scratches. It provides a hard finish and long-lasting protection, doesn't smear and is more durable than sprays or polishes.
When applying wax to your wooden furniture, use a liquid wax or a paste wax. Paste wax finishes may last as long as two years as opposed to liquid wax which is easier to apply but only offers a thin coating.
Polish
Over time your wood furniture can become lackluster. Restoring the shine with some polish is an easy way to add warmth to your home again. Using either a
homemade wood polish solution or a store-bought polish, you'll be able to bring your wood furniture back to life in a few minutes.
To polish your wood furniture: You'll need: two clean, soft cloths and a bottle of wood furniture polish spray (homemade or store-bought).
- Shake the bottle of polish well before spraying.
- Spray your cleaning cloth with some of the wood polish.
- Evenly distribute the polish over the furniture and rub in the direction of the wood grain.
- With your second clean cloth, buff and polish the surface of the furniture until the finish is dry.
- Repeat this process until the entire piece of furniture is polished and dry.
Homemade Wood Furniture Polish: - 10 drops lemon oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- A few drops of olive or jojoba oil
Now that you know how to care for your wood furniture, you'll be able to refurbish those garage market finds, care for those family heirlooms and beautify the furniture pieces you've recently acquired.