Should you dust, clean, or wax your wood furniture? Read these suggestions followed by some tips from the experts.

Dusting and Cleaning

Are you confused about dusting vs. cleaning, or waxing vs. polishing wood furniture?

While experts have varying opinions on the care of wood furniture, it usually depends on the finish of the piece. On the following pages are many helpful tips from the book, Making a Home.

Tip #1: Always ask for specific care and cleaning guidelines when purchasing new or old furnishings.

Dusting

Don’t avoid dusting furniture. Frequent dusting removes airborne deposits that build up in a filmy layer and can scratch the surface.

Clean, dry, soft cloths or feather dusters will effectively remove dust; however, to avoid scattering the dust into the air, where it floats until landing back on furniture surfaces, dampen the cloth very slightly.

• Classic feather duster: An ostrich-feather duster removes dust from easily damaged, delicate surfaces, such as silk lampshades, mirrors, picture frames and art, and fragile collectibles.
• Treated cloths: For dusting, soft, non scratching cloths pick up and hold dirt. Use them in place of silicon sprays, which are not recommended for fine wood furniture.
• Lambswool duster: These contain lanolin, which attracts dust and makes it cling to the cleaning tool. They’re also effective for dusting carved or turned areas that cloths can’t reach. A long handle makes them ideal for hard-to-reach areas, including light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Soft, lint-free cloths: Clean cotton T-shirts or diapers are commonly used. Dampen them slightly to help trap dust.
• Terry towels: Use a clean dry towel to remove any moisture left from dusting with a damp cloth.

Cleaning

Never use all-purpose cleaning sprays unless your furniture has a plastic coating, such as the kind used on kitchen tables and children’s furniture.

You’ll usually want to avoid cleaning wood with water. However, sticky spots may need to be treated with soap and water. Here’s how: dip the cloth in mild soap or detergent dissolved in water, wring the cloth nearly dry, and wipe the area. Rinse and immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Polishing

Oil polishes, cleaners, and furniture oils protect wood by making the surface more slippery; they do not offer a hard protective layer.

Products that contain a high percentage of oil make the surface smear, showing fingerprints. Avoid polishing with pure olive oil, which smears and attracts dust.

Most commercial spray and liquid furniture polishes contain silicone oil, which provides some protection. If you have used sprays and polishes in the past or suspect that furniture has been polished with them, be aware that residues can interfere with refinishing and may need professional attention.

Homemade recipe for cleaning wood: Some experts recommend reviving grimy wood furniture with a mixture of equal parts olive oil, denatured alcohol, gum turpentine, and strained lemon juice. Apply with a soft cloth and buff with a clean cloth.

To Wax or Not to Wax

Typically during manufacture, varnish, polyurethane, or shellac is applied to wood to protect the surface. Applying wax or polish protects the manufacturer’s finish and helps to reduce surface scratches.

Wax provides a hard finish and long-lasting protection, doesn’t smear, and is more durable than sprays or polishes.

Use paste wax or liquid wax made specifically for furniture. Depending on use, paste wax finishes may last as long as two years. Liquid wax is easier to apply but leaves a thinner coating; it may need to be applied more frequently than paste wax.

Learn how to properly apply waxes to eliminate streaks or a cloudy appearance. Always apply wax in light coats, rubbing into the surface with the grain. Allow to dry and buff to a clear shine with a soft cloth.

1. Put a spoonful of wax, about the size of a golf ball, in a square of 100-percent-cotton fabric. Wrap the fabric around the wax ball and knead it until soft.
2. Rub in a circular motion, one small area at a time, until the waxing is complete.
3. When the surface dulls, wipe off the excess wax. Use a clean, soft cotton cloth and turn it frequently.
4. Repeat waxing and wiping until the entire piece is waxed. If you notice a streak, keep wiping to remove excess wax.
5. Polish the wood, with a soft cloth or lambswool pad attached to an electric drill or power buffer. If the wax smears, wipe with a soft cloth and continue buffing.
6. For a deep shine, apply a second coat of wax in the same manner; to maintain waxed furniture, dust with a lamb’s-wool duster. Never use liquid or aerosol furniture polishes because they can dissolve the wax and leave a hazy film.

Cleaning Tips from Restoration Experts

For fine furniture or treasured family heirlooms, use this three-step cleaning and care routine.

1. Clean approximately every year with a commercial cleaning product (such as Formby’s Deep Cleaning Build-Up Remover) using #0000 steel wool. Work with the grain and follow product directions carefully.

2. Restore as needed, especially from sun fading, using a commercial finish restoring product such as Howard Restor-A-Finish. Choose a shade closest to the wood stain and apply with #0000 steel wool to a small section at a time. Work with the grain of the wood and use light to moderate pressure. Immediately wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as cheesecloth.

3. Feed as a monthly routine using an orange oil or wax (try Feed-N-Wax beeswax) to prevent drying and cracking.