How to Clean Old Painted Furniture

Old furniture adds charm to your home.

Before you beginning cleaning an old painted piece of furniture, test an area of the furniture to make sure the process won't damage the piece or remove the paint. Look for a small, out-of-the-way area to test, such as on the bottom of a table or chair. When cleaning old painted furniture, work on a small area at a time. Don't attempt to scrub down then entire piece, and then rinse off the soap. Work in a well-lit area, so you can see clearly, what you are cleaning and how it is effecting your piece.

Things You'll Need

• 2 clean rags
• Bucket
• Liquid dish soap (mild)
• Soft-bristled brush

Instructions

1. Dust the piece with a clean rag dampened with water. Carving or fretwork can be dusted with a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum attachment.

2. Fill a bucket with warm water and add several squirts of mild liquid dish soap.

3. Dip a clean rag in the bucket. Remove and squeeze out the excess water, until it feels practically dry.

4. Wash the piece with the rag. Focus on one area of the piece, and when you complete the following steps, move to another area, until the entire piece is clean.

5. Dip a rag in warm water, squeeze it out so it isn't dripping.

6. Rinse the area with the wet rag, then immediately dry with another rag.

Tips & Warnings

• A hard wax finish can be applied after cleaning to make future dusting easier.

• Do not try to dust or clean any part of the piece where the painted finish is loose. The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute advises that cloth fibers and feather dusters can catch on the edges of deteriorated paint, further damaging the finish.

References

• "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004
• "Priscilla Hauser's Painted Furniture"; Priscilla Hauser; 2003
• Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute: Furniture Care