How To

How to Clean Oak Furniture

Member
By Craftdrawer
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)

Oak furniture is a beautiful addition to any home and can last through generations with proper care.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Lemon Oil, Cotton Cloth, Murphy's Oil Soap
  1. Step 1

    If your oak furniture pieces are in good condition be sure to dust them once a week with a soft dry cloth. If you need to remove dust deposits on your wood avoid using all-purpose cleaners instead try using a mild soap and water solution (damp not soaked). Make sure and dry the surface after cleaning.

  2. Step 2

    Most furniture polishes will work on oak furniture but using a mild solution of Lemon Oil (found in most cleaning sections of department stores) or Murphy's soap will help the furniture clean better. While furniture polishes will provide a protective layer for oak they could leave a residue that may affect with refinishing later on. Whatever method you use be sure to put the polish directly on the cloth and not on the furniture. This will prevent spotting on staining the finish.

  3. Step 3

    Dust frequently to prevent airborne particles from accumulating on the wood. This also helps prevent allergy and asthma attacks for those who are allergic.

  4. Step 4

    Bees wax polish can also be used on Oak. You can also follow the manufacturers cleaning instructions when purchasing a piece of furniture. Be sure to protect your furniture by using coasters and not setting items on the piece that may scratch it. An oil based soap or lemon oil once or twice a year will keep your furniture clean and dusting regularly will keep it beautiful.

Tips & Warnings
  • Oil based soaps once or twice a year help protect wood.
  • Dust furniture regularly to prevent build up.
  • Linseed oil is another prospect it soaks into furniture and enhances the wood grain.
  • Harsh chemicals can act like a stripping agent when used often
  • You may want to use Murphy's Oil Soap more in the winter since it is drier and furniture requires more moisture in the winter just like humans.

Comments  

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on 9/29/2009 good suggestions for cleaning oak furniture

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on 9/20/2009 Great ideas. Rec. and 5*

vallain said

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on 7/16/2009 We always used the linseed oil when I was a kid for oak furniture.

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