How To Clean White Wood Furniture

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft-bristled brush

  • Cleanser formulated for cleaning wood, such as an “oil soap”

  • 2 plastic buckets

  • Soft cleaning cloths

White wood is most often used to make outdoor furniture, whether it is finished or unfinished. To keep these outdoor pieces looking new longer, clean your white wood furniture monthly during warm weather and again before storing for the winter.

Step 1

Remove surface dirt and grit with a dry, soft-bristled brush.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Follow manufacturer's instructions and mix a wood-cleaning solution in a bucket. Fill remaining bucket with clean, warm water.

Step 3

Clean furniture with a soft cloth dipped in cleaning solution. Use gentle pressure and wipe along the wood grain, when possible.

Step 4

Use a soft-bristled brush to apply cleaning solution on stained areas, being careful to scrub along the wood grain.

Step 5

Rinse furniture using a clean, soft cloth dipped in warm water.

Advertisement

Step 6

Dry furniture with a clean, soft cloth.

Step 7

Brighten weather-worn wood. After cleaning thoroughly, apply a solution of 1 cup of vinegar to 2 gallons of warm water. Let sit on wood for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Warning

Do not use chlorine bleach to clean or brighten wood, as it will cause the wood fibers to break down.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...