Cleaning Wood Furniture With Dish Soap to Make It Look Brand New (2024)

Learning how to clean wood furniture correctly is crucial if you want your favorite quality pieces to last for generations. It's normal for wooden furniture to get dirty through everyday use. Elements such as dust, skin oils, water stains, and a buildup of cleaning products can collect over time, leaving a sticky residue behind. Follow these tips for cleaning your wood furniture to give your favorite tables and chairs a polished refresh.

How Often to Clean Wood Furniture

Make it a goal to clean wood furniture weekly. Dusting can occur more often but should be done a minimum of once a week to avoid scuffing (or more if you have kids and pets). Spills and stains should be cleaned as soon as they happen (or are seen). Be sure to remove all items such as candles, picture frames, and other decor and not dust around them.

Any built-up residue that requires a deeper cleaning should be cleaned as soon as possible. If cleaning your wood furniture regularly, these spots and residue will be hard to miss.

Considerations Before You Get Started

While it might seem complicated to clean wood, a simple approach is always best. When purchasing wood furniture, always ask the vendor for tips on how to care for the piece. Always test new cleansers or products in an inconspicuous spot before wiping down an entire table or chair.

Because every finish, stain, and type of wood is different, it's hard to have a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning wooden furniture. However, a good rule of thumb is to start with the mildest cleaning solutions, progressing to stronger methods if needed.

What You Need:

• Microfiber towels
• Mild dish soap
• Mineral spirits (optional)
• Cheesecloth (optional)
• Semi-solid, silicone-free furniture polish (optional)

How to Clean Wood Furniture With Dish Soap

Here's our recommended gentle cleaning process that will work to clean and protect various wood furniture.

Step 1: Wipe Furniture

• Wipe wood furniture with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. (Use a cotton cloth to avoid damaging the wood).
• Quickly wipe it dry with another microfiber cloth. Don't let water sit on wood since it can warp the surface.
• For more frequent dusting, a quick wipe-down with a dry microfiber cloth or duster will do the trick.

Step 2: Clean Sticky Residue

• If your wood furniture has any spots with sticky residue, add a drop of dish soap to a microfiber cloth and test a tiny, out-of-sight section of the piece to make sure the finish doesn't get removed.
• If it's OK, combine a few drops of dish soap with a cup of water and gently clean the section. Again, avoid soaking the wood in water.
• Once the spot is cleaned, wipe it dry with another microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Try Mineral Spirits (Optional)

In more extreme situations, you might need to try mineral spirits.

• Test a small spot beforehand to make sure it won't remove the finish.
• Working in a well-ventilated area, apply a bit of mineral spirits liquid to a clean microfiber cloth and rub down the sticky area.
• If this doesn't work, you might need to consider refinishing the piece.

How to Clean Sealed vs. Unsealed Wood Furniture

Depending on how your wood was treated can also determine what cleaning method to use.

Sealed or Varnished

If your wooden furniture has a varnish on it, you're in luck, as sealed furniture is easy to clean and fairly low-maintenance. Wipe the piece down with a damp cloth and gentle soap solution. Even though it is sealed, dry the surface after cleaning to prevent any water damage.

Unsealed or Oiled

Wooden furniture that lacks a protective finish requires more care, as it is prone to more damage. Use a slightly damp cloth (no soap this time) and avoid saturating the piece with water, as unfinished or untreated wood can very quickly absorb liquid. Make certain the surface is completely dry. You should also regularly condition the wood with oil or a conditioner that is best suited for your type of wood to prevent it from drying out and splitting.

How to Keep Your Wood Furniture Clean Longer

Wooden furniture is a design staple with serious staying power that is durable. And a well-made piece has timeless appeal. So, help it last longer with these tips.

Apply Furniture Polish

Depending on your wood furniture, you might need to apply furniture polish or wax to protect it and keep its shine.

• Using a cheesecloth, apply a semi-solid furniture polish (without silicone) to the wood furniture.
• Let it sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes.
• Then, buff it in with a clean microfiber cloth.

Cover Your Furniture

Covering the surface of wood furniture can help protect it from stains, moisture, and heat. Use cloth tablecloths, placemats, and coasters on tables. Avoid plastic, as it can scratch the surface.

Dust and Clean Often

Cleaning your wood furniture and dusting it often can help avoid buildup, scratches, scuffs, and other damage—a duster can make this routine easier. Keeping up with regular dusting and wiping can go a long way to preserving your wooden furniture.

Handle Carefully

When moving wood furniture, remove items so they don't slide and scratch the surface. Wrap furniture in an old cotton blanket or comforter to protect it. And don't drag wood furniture across the floor.

Avoid Natural Elements

Place wooden furniture away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas unless the furniture is designed for outdoor use. Light can cause discoloration, and heat and moisture can warp or damage the wood. Use blinds or window curtains to limit sun exposure.

Removing Water Stains From Wood Furniture

Water stains commonly occur on wooden furniture (especially tables) since we use our furniture daily. Unfortunately, hot or cold drinks placed on a wooden surface can leave a ring or mark. Here's how to remove these common stains from your wooden furniture.

1. Dab non-gel toothpaste on the mark or stain.
2. Rub it with a cotton microfiber cloth until removed.
3. If that doesn't work, mix equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste. Apply and rub the spot again.
4. Wipe off the toothpaste or mixture using another (clean) microfiber cloth.
5. Dry thoroughly.