Do you own a beautiful antique piece of furniture, but aren’t sure how to clean it without causing damage? You’re not alone. Cleaning antique furniture presents its own special challenges. Share on X

How to Clean Antique Wood

The finishes on antique wood furniture can react very differently to modern cleaners, so greater care must be taken. Learning how to clean antiques without causing damage requires patience and guidance.

Remove Dust

Using a small vacuum, a paintbrush, or old cotton rags, remove any dust or debris. Be careful when using rags, and loose threads may catch on the edges of wood grain and cause damage. Never use steel wool or abrasive materials for this!

Gentle Cleansing

Sometimes a bit of grime is evident after decades of use. A mild cleaning solution made from a teaspoon or so of Murphy’s oil soap in 2 quarts of warm water is suitable for a piece that isn’t extremely valuable. (Prized antiques should be cleaned by a professional.) Do not get the wood too wet or it may warp.

Add Shine

Buff boiled linseed oil into your wood surface while wearing gloves for a smooth, shiny finish. Depending on the material you’re working with you may also use automotive rubbing compound as a slightly abrasive furniture polish to help eliminate minor scuff marks and add shine.

When to See a Professional

If you notice color being removed when you wipe the surface of whatever you’re cleaning, or if you note a sticky patch of finish, stop cleaning. These issues usually signal a problem with the finish itself, and will likely need to be replaced or repaired by a professional.

Turn Off The Lights

Harsh lighting and sunlight are hard on wood and can dull its shine and fade rich tones. When leaving a room, close the curtains and turn off the lights. Also avoid letting your home get too humid. Use a dehumidifier to maintain a relative humidity of about 50%.

Made to Last

Antique furniture is made to last for many years, but this longevity can be hindered by several factors that are easily avoidable. Clean, inspect, and maintain your beloved pieces. With this in mind, you are sure to enjoy your antique furniture for many years.

Contact Us to learn more about caring for your antiques, or to browse our collection at the shop in Old Town Spring.