How to Clean Second Hand Furniture
Thrift stores and garage sales can be convenient places to find interesting furniture at bargain prices. The trouble with secondhand furniture, however, is you don't always know how to clean it without damaging it. Learn how to get the most out of your previously owned furniture by sprucing it up. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Boiled linseed oil
- Turpentine
- White vinegar
- Oil soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
Instructions
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Cleaning Wood Furniture
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1
Remove loose surface soil. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
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2
Determine the type of finish. In an inconspicuous area, rub a few drops of boiled linseed oil into the wood. If the piece has a hard finish, the oil will bead on the surface. On oil finishes, the linseed oil will absorb.
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3
Clean oil-finished wood. According to Anne Field of Michigan State University, 1 cup boiled linseed oil, 1 cup turpentine, and 1/3 cup white vinegar will safely and thoroughly clean oil-finished wood. The turpentine is flammable, so wear gloves, avoid breathing the fumes, and keep away from sparks or flames while working with this mixture. Dampen a sponge or cloth with the solution, and clean the wood by rubbing with the grain. Never pour the cleaning mixture directly onto the wood.
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4
Clean hard finished wood. Oil soap is suitable for most hard finishes, but be sure to test an inconspicuous area first. Dilute the soap according to manufacturer instructions if necessary. Clean the wood by rubbing in small circles with a clean cloth or sponge. The oil soap may be applied to the cloth or the wooden surface directly.
Cleaning Upholstered Furniture
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5
Check for a tag from the manufacturer. Just like clothing, furniture comes with cleaning instructions. "W" represents water, "S" means dry-clean only, and "X" stands for vacuum only. For water only fabrics, you may use a spray bottle of clear water or diluted fabric refresher, and apply until the upholstery is thoroughly wet. If necessary, scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Then blot the moisture up with a clean towel, and allow it to air-dry.
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6
Use dish soap. One part dish soap in two parts water is a mixture that is safe for upholstery coded for water cleaning. This is ideal for lifting greasy stains. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. Use a spray bottle to apply the soapy water until the upholstery is thoroughly wet. If necessary, scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Blot the moisture with a clean towel as best you can, and allow the piece to air-dry.
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7
Use hydrogen peroxide to lift subborn stains. Pour a small amount of peroxide onto the stain, and blot with a clean cloth until nearly dry. Do not rub the stain.
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