How to Clean Painted Furniture
Painted furniture always looks so perfect when the coat of paint is fresh, but it may be the most difficult type of furniture to keep clean. Over time, paint becomes brittle, can become discolored and is easily stained. With a few simple techniques you can clean up you painted furniture and learn how to protect it with your regular cleaning.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Soft cloth
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- Clean dry towel
- Borax
- White vinegar
- Fine grain sandpaper
- Wax-based wood conditioner
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1
Clean light stains on painted furniture by dampening a soft cloth with a mixture of hot water and liquid dishwashing detergent. Wring out the cloth as much as possible and rub the surface of the furniture lightly in circular motions. Always follow-up quickly, drying the surface with a clean soft towel
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2
Remove darker more stubborn stains on painted furniture by mixing 2 tsp. of borax with enough white vinegar to create a smooth paste. Apply the paste to a soft cloth and rub the mixture into the stained surface gently, just until the stain lightens. Remove with a damp cloth and dry with a clean towel.
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3
Use fine grain sandpaper to remove the most difficult of stains; however, use caution. Always test an unseen area first to see if the sandpaper removes luster or reveals darker paint under the surface. Sandpaper can damage painted furniture if used excessively, so only sand stains as a last resort.
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4
Apply a light wax-based furniture conditioner during your regular cleaning. Dust the painted surface with a clean soft cloth before applying the conditioner. Rub a light layer of the conditioner into the surface of your painted furniture and buff with a clean cloth. Wood condition will protect your painted furniture from further stains, chipping and pealing.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you have antique painted furniture, clean with care. Never resurface or repaint antique furniture, as you can remove the indications of authenticity and destroy its antique value.
Never use oil, oil polishes or oil treated cloths on painted furniture as oil can remove the paint layers, discolor surfaces and destroy fine painted detail.
