How to Naturally Clean Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is built to last a lifetime with proper care. Caring for the finish is just as important as caring for the structural integrity of the piece. Damage to the finish can lead to staining and rotting of the wood over time. Naturally cleaning your wood furniture with common household ingredients is easy, safe and economical. It will prolong the life of your wood furniture and preserve its appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloths White vinegar Spray bottle Black tea bags

Instructions

1. Dampen a cloth with cold water and wipe wood. Dry immediately with a second cloth.

2. Mix one part vinegar with equal part water in a spray bottle.

3. Spray wood with vinegar solution and wipe clean with a soft cloth. This will remove any stubborn grime.

4. Brew two bags of black tea in one quart of water. Let cool.

5. Dip a cloth into the tea and wipe down the wood. Buff to a shine with a dry cloth. This will polish and restore luster to the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• You can remove candle wax from furniture by using a blow-dryer set on the lowest heat setting. Blow air on the wax, then wipe away the melted residue with the vinegar solution.

• Avoid commercial polishes that may contain kerosene, as this can deteriorate the finish over time.

References

• Reader's Digest