White wine vinegar diluted in water is perfect for cleaning wooden furniture, but if you want to clean and polish them in a single pass, it's best to mix it with olive oil. Before starting, remove any removable parts that are not made of wood, such as cushions or handles, from furniture. Remove the dust with a soft cloth or with a vacuum cleaner, taking care to reach even the smallest crevices. Remember that the rag should be damp, but not soggy. When you're done, dry the wood with a clean cloth.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Eliminate the Dust
Step 1. Remove the metal parts and cushions
If possible, move the furniture away from the wall. Put the cushions and any other objects that normally rest on the wooden furniture you want to clean elsewhere. Remove any parts made of metal (or a material other than wood) that you are sure you can put back in place when finished, such as handles or knobs.
Be careful not to remove any items that hold the cabinet together
Step 2. Remove the dust with a rag or vacuum cleaner
Use the special nozzle to dust the furniture with a brush. Wipe it gently on all surfaces and in every crevice. Alternatively, you can dampen a clean rag and use it to carefully dust the wood.
Do not use a nozzle with a rotating brush as it may scratch the wood
Step 3. Also clean the cushions if it is a sofa
Check the washing instructions labels on the cushions or fabric covers to find out how best to proceed. Wash or clean them before putting them back.
By reading the instructions on the label you will know if the item can be washed by hand, in the washing machine or if you need to go to a dry cleaner
Method 2 of 3: Clean with Vinegar
Step 1. Dilute the white wine vinegar with water
Use 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of vinegar for every 250 ml of mineral or filtered water.
Step 2. Look for a hidden area to test the solution on
For example, a point under the furniture that is generally hidden from view. Moisten the corner of a clean rag with the vinegar and water solution; it will only have to be damp, not soggy. Gently scrub the wood to see if any unwanted effects occur, then dry it with another clean cloth.
- If you don't notice any negative effects, you can clean all the furniture in the same way.
- In addition to performing this test or as an alternative to it, you can consult the manufacturer of the furniture by phone or by e-mail to find out what is the best way to clean it.
Step 3. Wet a larger area of the cloth with the vinegar and water mixture
Make sure it's a soft, clean fabric. You can dip the rag into the basin with the solution or you can spray it on top of it. In any case, squeeze it well before using it because it doesn't have to be soaked.
Using a too wet rag, water and vinegar could seep into the wood and damage it. Do not spray the mixture directly on the furniture
Step 4. Wipe the furniture with the damp rag
Make circular motions. Rub in the direction of the wood grain to remove water marks. Rinse the rag or replace it with a clean one if it becomes visibly dirty.
Step 5. Dry and polish the wood
Rub it with a dry cloth in circular motions. If you notice that there are some stains left, use the vinegar and water solution again, but only in those places, and finally dry the furniture completely. Make sure it is completely dry in all its parts before finishing the job.
Method 3 of 3: Clean and Polish the Wood with Vinegar and Oil
Step 1. Dilute the white wine vinegar with the olive oil
The proportion must be 1: 1; if you want, you can also add a few drops of oil or lemon juice. There is no need to overdo the doses of the two main ingredients; you can pour them into a small glass jar, close it with the lid and shake it to mix.
- Alternatively, you can try using 60ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 30ml of distilled white vinegar, and 30ml of flaxseed oil.
- Olive oil and vinegar polish and restore hydration to dry wood. You can also use them to remove light scratches or marks left by water condensation.
- In addition to smelling good, lemon juice is acidic, so it acts as a cleanser.
Step 2. Look for a hidden area to test the solution on
For example, a point under the furniture that is generally hidden from view. Wet the corner of a clean rag with the oil and vinegar solution. Gently scrub the wood to see if any unwanted effects occur, then dry it with another clean cloth.
- If you don't notice any negative effects, you can clean all the furniture in the same way.
- In addition to performing this test or as an alternative to it, you can consult the manufacturer of the furniture by phone or by e-mail to find out what is the best way to clean it.
Step 3. Wet a larger area of the cloth with the oil and vinegar mixture
Make sure it's soft and clean. It is better to pour a few drops directly onto the cloth rather than dipping it into the jar. If you need to, wring it out before using it as it doesn't have to be soggy.
If you use a too wet rag, the oil and vinegar could seep into the wood and damage it. Do not pour the mixture directly onto the cabinet
Step 4. Wipe the furniture with the damp rag
Make sure you distribute the solution evenly. Rub in the direction of the wood grain to remove any scratches or marks left by the water. Rinse the rag or replace it with a clean one if it appears visibly dirty after a while.
Step 5. Dry and polish the wood
Rub it with a dry cloth in circular motions. If you notice that there are some stains left, use the oil and vinegar solution again, but only in those places, and finally dry the furniture completely. Make sure it is completely dry in all its parts before finishing the job.
Step 6. Polish the wood 1-2 times a year
This will keep it hydrated and shiny and your furniture will always look new and in good condition.
Warnings
- Do not use pure vinegar to clean wooden furniture. You have to dilute it with water, otherwise it could damage the glossy finish.
- If the wooden furniture is painted, vinegar is not a suitable product for cleaning it. It is best to simply dust them or use plain water by moistening a clean rag, rubbing the wood gently to clean it and finally wiping it thoroughly with a dry cloth.
- Do not use oil if the wood has been waxed.
