How to Clean Untreated Wood Furniture

Furniture made of untreated wood can bring a rustic, natural feeling to any room. Such pieces should be carefully maintained because the unfinished wood is porous and can easily stain or warp. Grease and oils from hands and other contact can absorb into the surface of the wood. Allowing dirt and grime to remain on the surface for a long period of time can cause irrevocable stains. However, with regular maintenance, you can keep your furniture stain-free and beautiful.

Things You'll Need

• Cheesecloth or other soft, absorbent cloth
• Yarn or cotton string
• Warm iron
• Mineral spirits

Instructions

1. Regularly dust your furniture with a clean cloth or rag. Immediately wipe up any liquid spills on the wood.

2. Press a cheesecloth, or other absorbent cloth, on the area when a grease or oil stain appears.

3. Tie the cloth onto the area if it is on a vertical arm or leg. Otherwise, have another person hold the cloth.

4. Press a warm iron onto the cloth to loosen the grease or oil and help it absorb into the rag. Replace a stain-soaked cloth with a clean cloth, if necessary. Remove the cloth once you have removed the stain.

5. Moisten a clean cloth with mineral spirits. It should be moist but not dripping wet. Wipe the entire surface of the unfinished wood with the cloth. Do this on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Tips & Warnings

• Save the mineral-soaked rags used to clean the surface, provided they have not absorbed a large stain, in an air-tight container for reuse.

• Do not use a high setting on the iron as this might burn the wood.

References

• Utah State University Extension: FAQ's, "I'd like to make my own household cleaning products."
• University of Georgia Extension: How to Care for Your Furnishings by Dale Dorman
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Cleaning, Repairing and Refurnishing Wood Furniture