Best Tips for Cleaning Wood

 

Wood is a material that has been used for thousands of years for home building and home furnishings, and cleaning wood surfaces has come a long way during that time as techniques on wood finishes have improved.  A rich luster and shiny finish on wood products can give a home a sophisticated and elegant appearance, especially when cared for properly.

In our homes, many incidences can occur that interfere with the beauty of wood.  Dust, household dirt, grimy fingerprints and handprints, stains from foods, stains from beverages, cup rings, scratches; the list just goes on and on.  Just how does one keep the beauty of wood shining on?

The first thing to understand when considering cleaning wood is the type of wood with which you are dealing.  The next obstacle is to consider the reason for the cleaning:  is it normal maintenance, or has something happened to the wood that you are attempting to repair? 

Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are an extremely popular choice of flooring in homes, not to mention that it is a huge selling point when a house is on the market.  Hardwood embodies the sense of cozy, comfortable warmth in a home, and is a practical choice for flooring as well.  No toxins, no allergens, no worries of mold or decay such as is found with carpeting or linoleum floors.  Many take great pride in the appearance of their floors, feeling that they showcase the entire atmosphere of the room.  And rightly so; it is natural, environmentally friendly and beautiful.

Some of the more common types of wood floors come from red oak, pine, maple, white oak, cherry, hickory, bamboo, pecan, walnut, birch and teak.  Hard woods are the most durable, although some soft woods, such as pine, offer a popular rustic appearance due to its soft nature. 

One aspect of maintaining a beautiful floor is to know the how-tos of cleaning wood floors.  Regular vacuuming and / or sweeping of the flooring prevent any accumulation of dirt and grime that could damage the finish.  If vacuuming, ensure that the vacuum head has a soft, felt strip or soft brush that will not scratch the floor.  Everyday care of the floor can be as simple as a light damp mop quickly swept over the floor.  Furniture polish should never be used on wood floors, as it will cause a slippery and dangerous surface on which to walk. 

Wood furniture

Our furniture goes through a lot of wear and tear, especially if there are children or pets in the house.  Wood furniture in particular can show the effects of this daily living even when constructed of a durable material. 

Cleaning wood furniture may become a daily process, depending on the circumstances and the use of the furniture piece.  Tables, for example, will endure more usage than a bookcase might.  Dining tables generally have a coating of shellac finish to provide more protection for a surface that will see high activity.  These types of furniture pieces can often simply be washed with mild soap and water.  To replenish the shine and luster of the table, a good furniture polish can be rubbed into the surface.

Furniture pieces that are natural wood can easily be cleaned using a wood cleaner.  The cleaner should have the ability to cut through grime, oils and dirt that can build up on the surface.  If a furniture polish had been used previously, the cleaning compound should be able to safely remove leftover polish which will dull the surface over time. 

Furniture with wood finishes are able to be effectively cleaned with an all purpose household cleaner.  These cleaners can cut through the daily build up of air pollutants and dirt.  Following up with a good furniture polish can bring out the natural sheen of the finish.