You dust and shine your furniture regularly, but over time it will start to leave a dark film on your tables, chairs and shelves. You’ll need to do a periodic deep cleaning to keep your furniture looking its best. If you want to keep your wood furniture looking beautiful and polished, it’s important to dust and shine it regularly. However, even with regular maintenance, your wood furniture may eventually start to accumulate a dark film and require a deeper cleaning. Here are some tips and techniques for how to clean dirty wood furniture and how to clean wood furniture naturally, without damaging it.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Dirty Wood Furniture Naturally
BEFORE: AFTER:


Remove Old Polish on Wood Furniture
Knowing how to clean old wood furniture that has decades’ of buildup polish will help you restore the item to its original beauty. Steep two tea bags in boiling water. Let the tea cool to room temperature, take a soft cloth, wring it out in the tea until it’s damp and wash the wood. The tannic acid from the tea is great for maintaining the wood.
Remove Water Stains on Wood Furniture
There’s always that one person who never uses a coaster. This is how to remove water rings from wood. Put some non-gel toothpaste on the spot and rub with a soft cloth till the stain is lifted. For stubborn stains, mix equal parts baking soda and toothpaste. Wipe the toothpaste off with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Erase Difficult Marks on Wood Furniture
To remove an ink marks, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water into a thin paste. Apply to the stain and rub gently with a soft cloth until the stain disappears. Wipe the toothpaste off with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Once your furniture is clean, wipe a layer of wood polish on it to preserve the finish and add shine. I would suggest using lemon oil for all your wood polishing needs. To use, pour it on a soft cloth and work it into the wood, wiping with the grain. Knowing how to clean wood furniture will help you keep your items looking beautiful for longer!

What is The Best Thing to Clean Wood Furniture?
The best thing to clean wood furniture depends on the type of wood and the condition of the piece. For general cleaning, a mixture of water and a mild detergent or a commercially available wood cleaner can be effective. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood finish. If the wood is very dirty or sticky, you may need to use a stronger cleaner or a de-greaser to remove the grime.
What Repels Dust on Wood Furniture?
There are several ways to repel dust on wood furniture, including: using a furniture polish that contains wax or silicone to create a barrier on the surface; covering the wood with a dust cover or a light cloth when it is not in use; and regularly dusting and wiping down the furniture with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or dirt
What Should You Not Clean Wood With?
There are several things you should not clean wood furniture with, as they can damage the wood finish or leave a residue: abrasive cleaners, such as scouring pads or steel wool; harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia; and oil-based cleaners, as they can leave a sticky film on the surface.

How Do You Clean and Protect Old Wood Furniture?
To clean and protect old wood furniture, follow these steps: dust and wipe down the furniture with a soft, dry cloth; clean the wood with a mild detergent or a wood cleaner, using a soft cloth or sponge; dry the wood thoroughly; and apply a furniture polish or wax to protect the wood and add shine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood finish. If the wood is very dirty or has a lot of scratches, you may need to use a wood restorer or refinisher to bring it back to its original condition. It’s also a good idea to use coasters and placemats to protect the wood from spills and stains, and to avoid placing the furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources to prevent fading or warping.
Cleaning Wood Surfaces Naturally
Here are some tips to keep your wooden furniture clean and free from spots!
It’s important not only for the health of delicate surfaces, but also that you take care when cleaning them. The wrong method could cause damage or stain.