Proper Wood Care: Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

Wood is a natural material that brings a sense of warmth to your home. Wooden floors, furniture or ornaments certainly add a vintage vibe to your home design. However, these objects also need proper care and maintenance since wood is quite sensitive and can easily be damaged.

Hiring professionals for cleaning projects that involve wood cleaning and care is a good decision for homeowners in Rittenhouse Square, Philly as house cleaning services can be customized for specific needs. But if you prefer to do it on your own, please see the following tips on how to safely keep wooden surfaces looking as good as new.

How to care for all things wood?

Cleaning tasks which involve wood maintenance depend on the type of object that is taken care of, but the common tasks that apply to wood always include dusting and cleaning, and sometimes waxing and polishing. 

How to clean wooden furniture?

Dusting and cleaning are the first steps to keeping your wooden furniture as good as new. Here is how to properly carry them out:

Dusting

This is the initial and very important part of cleaning because dust build-up can compromise the wooden surface. When done properly, regular dusting saves your furniture from unnecessary damage. The best way to properly remove dust is to lightly wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth, in the direction of the grain. You can also use some other dusting tools, but be careful that the material makes dust stick to it.  Examples are: feather dusters, lint-free cloths or lamb’s wool dusters. 

Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, there are two options, depending on the situation.

In case you need to remove any sticky spots from your wooden furniture, use a solution of mild soap and water, which is also safe for other sensitive surfaces such as natural stone.  Dampen a cloth and then wipe down, moving in the direction of the grain. Any excess should be removed immediately using a clean cloth.  If the wood is unfinished, or if there is a break in the finish from scratches or wear, it is not advised to damp-wipe this area since further staining or further separation from the finish may occur.

For thorough cleaning of older furniture, the process is the same, but instead of a mild soap, rather go for an oil soap which you can find in hardware stores. It will help remove grime layers. 

Caution: while we can clean almost everything with vinegar solution, using it on wood is risky unless mixed with certain oils.  In general, avoid using vinegar on wood.

What is the best way to preserve wood?

As final steps to your maintenance routine, consider polishing or waxing wood furniture for a heightened shine and protection.

Oils and oil polish provide a degree of protection since they provide a barrier from spills and dirt. However, there are certain precautions that should be observed. For example, placing objects on top of the oil-polished wood can leave a stain since it won’t allow the wood to breathe, and the weight of the object may also make a dent or cause scratches when moved.  Be sure that the product you subsequently use to clean a polished surface is compatible with the polish used.

Wax provides a longer-lasting protection, but it is important to apply it carefully and avoid leaving streaks. To do this properly, use a cotton cloth to apply wax in light coats, following grain direction. To remove any excess wax, wipe it off with a soft cotton cloth.  Note, once wax is added, it will be difficult to remove, so you will want to confirm wax is suitable for the surface material and function prior to application.

Where can I book comprehensive house cleaning services in Rittenhouse Square, Philly?

Being a family-run business with years of experience behind us, EverGreen Maids is the cleaning company you can rely on. We take pride in our highly competent, reliable cleaning technicians who provide excellent results. 

So, instead of spending a day mopping the floors and tending to your stainless steel appliances, take your family out for a lovely picnic at the Schuylkill River Trail and let us do all the hard work. Reach out to us today!