Shine and Protect : Expert Tips for Polishing Wood Furniture

Wood furniture needs to be taken care of if it’s to stay beautiful, long lasting and affordable. Dust, dirt and general wear can make wood surfaces look dirty and tired over time. When used properly, you can refresh and keep your wooden furniture looking good by cleaning and polishing it using cleaners and products made especially for wood. We will cover all about wood furniture cleaner and polish in this article, types of cleaners, how to use, and DIY for maintaining the quality of your wood furniture.

Learn Wood Furniture Cleaning and Polishing Then you Should.

There are several homes that are equipped with wood furniture as a feature because it looks great, it lasts long and provides warmth to the room. But it needs special care to stay looking good and not to get damaged. Cleaning and polishing are two necessary components of wooden furniture care, and each one does a different job. Cleans remove dirt and grime; polishes restore luster, and protects against moisture, dust and more.

This is not only for looks sake; cleaning and polishing regularly will prolong the lifespan of your furniture. You clean out the dirt that could ruin the finish and polish the wood so it is moisture-balanced, and you are making sure that your furniture looks and functions the best it can for many years to come.

Table 1: Types of Wood Furniture Cleaners

Table 2: Types of Wood Polishes

Types of Wood Furniture Cleaners

Which cleaner you will need will be based on what type of wood, its finish, and your furniture’s needs. These are some common wood cleaners:

1. General Wood Cleaners
: Regular wood cleaners are appropriate for home care. They are usually non-abrasive, non-toxic, and work with most woods and finishes. These cleaners work great for picking up dust, fingerprints, and light dirt on wood. They usually come in a spray or liquid version and you can use it straight on a clean piece of cloth and then simply rub the furniture.

2. Oil-Based Wood Cleaners
Cleaners made from oil have fatty oils (natural or artificial) that go right through the wood, and nourish it directly. These cleaners are great for unfinished or oiled wood as they keep it moist and stain resistant. But you shouldn’t apply them very heavily on sealed or lacquered surfaces because the oil might not get absorbed and leave behind a film.

3. Wax-Based Cleaners
Wood cleaners with wax are great for cleaning and protecting the wood. For waxed wood furniture, they’re best used to bring back the shine and seal in moisture. Cleaners that are waxy do not work as well for deep cleaning but are great for general cleaning and keeping the wood gleaming.

4. Natural and Eco-Friendly Cleaners
The natural or eco-friendly cleaners are extracted from plants and do not contain harsh chemicals. These products are soft on wood so can be used on older and delicate furniture. They’re also great for those looking for something greener.

5. DIY Wood Cleaners
Using vinegar, olive oil and lemon juice to make wood cleaners is a great cheap, natural solution for many homeowners. These are readily available and can be mixed to make a good cleaner. DIY cleaners are safe for most wood and customizable to meet your furniture needs.

Choosing the Right Wood Polish

The wood furniture should be sanded after cleaning in order to polish and protect it. Polishes can bring out the grain and color of the wood so that the furniture looks new again. Some polishes you will find for wood furniture are:

1. Oil Polishes

For wood, oil polishes (lemon or mineral oil) are in fashion. They keep the wood moist and coloured. But oil polishes also make the nail greasy when overused, so be sure to apply very gently.

2. Paste Wax Polishes

Paste wax polishes are great for hard-wearing, protective wood furniture. You can polish them to a mirror finish, so that they are polished and flat. Paste waxes are perfect for antique and vintage pieces because they leave an impervious coat that resists stains and water.

3. Spray Polishes

Spray polishes are quick touch ups and they’re convenient to use. They come in different formulas, some with added conditioners to nourish the wood. Spray polishes can be good for the day-to-day wear, but don’t protect as well as wax or oil polishes.

4. Combination Cleaners and Polishes

Stackable cleaners and polishes: Cleaning and polishing in one. They’re nice to have on hand for frequent cleaning but don’t always get as thorough of a clean or deep of a polish as stand-alone products.

What to Use for Wood Furniture Cleaner and Polish?

Effective cleaning and polishing is only as good as how you apply it. So here’s how you can get the best out of it:

Step 1: Dust the Surface
Dust furniture with a soft lint-free cloth prior to using any cleaner or polish. This will save dirt particles from scratching the wood during cleaning.

2: Perform an Unobtrusive Test in an Unnoticeable Space
Try a new cleaner or polish every time, first try it in a small visible area. This is to make sure that the product doesn’t chip the finish.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner
When you are using liquid cleaners, spray a few drops on a soft cloth (do not spray directly on the furniture) and wipe it over. Oil-based cleaners: Squirt some onto a piece of cloth and rub into the wood in circular motions. Remember to follow the grain of the wood for the best result.

Step 4: Let the Cleaner Air Dry.
Don’t polish it right after the cleaner is dry. This step makes sure that the cleaner doesn’t contaminate the polish.

Step 5: Apply the Polish
Peel off the polish with a dry clean towel in a thin layer. Rub the polish into the grain of the wood without streaks or excess polish on the surface.

Step 6: Buff the Surface
: Once the polish is dry, wipe the wood smooth with a clean cloth. Buffing gets rid of all the gloop and leaves the furniture shiny and glossy.

How To Polish Wood Furniture