Quick Links
- Understanding Your Antique Wood
- Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning
- The Art of Waxing Your Furniture
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- The Role of Professional Restoration
Antique wood furniture or equipment is priceless. They tend to hold family, sentimental, or even historical value. However, they don’t always stand the test of time. They become worn down, improperly stored, cleaned improperly, or not cleaned at all. This article is meant to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to safely clean your antique wood pieces.
Understanding Your Antique Wood
Before letting any chemical touch your antique wood, you need to know everything about the furniture. Assessing the type of finish and the condition of the piece is crucial. The answers to this analysis will determine the rest of the cleaning process, so be thorough with this step.
Determining the Type of Wood Finish
To test the finish of the wood, you will need some rubber gloves, denatured alcohol, and 100% cotton swabs.
With your gloves on, soak the top of the cotton swab in the alcohol and dab it on a hidden area of the furniture, such as the back of a dresser. If the wood finish dissolves, it likely has a shellac or wax finish, which requires more meticulous cleaning. Now let’s go through the cleaning process from start to finish, covering any type of finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Antique Wood Furniture
Step 1: Dust Excessively
Take a dry, soft cloth or a brush to remove dust from any surfaces, corners, or crevices. Dusting the furniture prevents scratches later on, so take this step seriously.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Cleaning Furniture with a Wax Finish
For furniture with a wax finish, dab a small amount of odorless mineral spirits on a soft cloth and gently clean the surface. Be sure not to wipe too harshly as you work across your furniture.
Cleaning Furniture with a Shellac Finish
Cleaning wood with a shellac finish requires its own process. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Then take a soft cloth, dip it in the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the surface of the antique wood.
If you want a deeper clean for wax or shellac finishes, combine one ounce of oil soap with six ounces of water and gently wipe with the grain of the wood.
Cleaning Unfinished Wood
Since unfinished wood can more easily absorb moisture and chemicals, only use a slightly damp cloth without soap. After gently wiping the surface, immediately dry it with a soft towel to avoid warping.
Using Mineral Spirits for Grime Removal
For finishes other than shellac or wax, mineral spirits can be used to remove grime or oily fingerprints from antique wood. Pour a very small amount of mineral spirits on a clean, soft cotton cloth and gently wipe the furniture, going with the grain.
The Art of Waxing Your Furniture
If you want your antique furniture to look pristine and have extra protection, consider applying a wax finish.
Before waxing, wait until your freshly cleaned wood dries. After it dries, gather an open-weave cotton cloth and beeswax for the waxing process. Apply a small amount of beeswax to the cloth and slowly wipe the wood in the direction of the grain and re-polish using a clean, dry cloth.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Although there is a clear process to follow, there are some things to watch out for when cleaning your furniture.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Strong chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and other strong solvents can strip finishes, discolor surfaces, or damage wood. When cleaning your antique wood, either use water with a little bit of dish soap or just water.
Steering Clear of Aerosol Sprays
Stay away from aerosol sprays when cleaning antique wood because they often contain silicone or alcohol, which can dull or damage delicate finishes.
The Role of Professional Restoration
Cleaning and restoring antique wood furniture can be complex. With all the types of wood, types of finishes, and the condition of the wood, there are a lot of things that could go wrong. It’s never a bad idea to take your furniture to a trusted professional near you. Our team at Olde Wood Experts knows how to expertly handle and clean your antique wood furniture. Contact us today to maintain the longevity and value of your furniture. Or if you have any questions about antique wood, give us a call; we are happy to help!
