While it might seem complicated to clean wood, a simple approach is always best. For starters, when purchasing wood furniture, always ask the vendor for tips on how to care for the piece. Because every finish, stain, and type of wood is different, it’s hard to have a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning. However, a good rule of thumb is to start with the mildest cleaning solutions first and work your way up from there. You’ll also always want to test new cleansers or products in an inconspicuous spot before wiping down a whole table or chair.

Our Go-To Method

Here’s our recommended gentle cleaning process that will work to clean and protect a variety of wood furniture.

What You’ll Need

Microfiber clothsMild dish soapMineral spirits, optionalSemi-solid furniture polish, optionalCheesecloth, optional

Steps

Note: As mentioned above, always start with the least damaging cleaning method first and spot test a solution before applying it to the whole piece. Worst-case scenario, if you feel really unsure about what to do, call a local furniture repair company and see if they can offer a consultation.