Cleaning and renewing the shine of unfinished wood furniture is easier than you think. However, if your wood is quite old and valuable, you may consider having it professionally polished by a furniture expert.
There are several steps that will clean your furniture for a fresh new look.
Step 1: Sand the Wood
Lightly sand your wood furniture with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will give your furniture a worn, well-loved look.
Step 2: Dust Using a Dry Cloth
Dust the unfinished wood furniture. Use a clean, dry cloth or soft brush to dust the wood furniture. Wipe away any excess dust.
Step 3: Clean the wood
Clean the furniture using a damp cloth or sponge and mineral spirit. Wring the cloth to ensure it’s not dripping. Do not use abrasive products on unfinished wood; this can cause scratches to appear in the finish.
Ensure you put on hand gloves when working with mineral spirit. Wipe the furniture dry with another cloth.
Step 4: Apply a Sealer
Apply an oil or mineral-based sealer to protect and keep the natural color of your wood looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.
These cleaners tend to work better as they age, so try applying them right before you are ready to sell it rather than right away.
Tips To Keep Your Unfinished Wood Furniture Looking Good As New
- If your furniture has been sealed, you’ll only need to lightly sand and polish every year or two depending on your lifestyle.
- While many unfinished wood pieces can be used outdoors, make sure that yours is designed for outdoor use first! Many indoor pieces aren’t made to withstand exposure.
- If the piece is going outdoors, clean it with a rag and mild soap if needed then seal with clear lacquer or varnish. This will protect against moisture.
- Put felt pads under glass tops, vases or any other items that might scratch the surface.
- Clean spills immediately by blotting up excess liquid and dabbing at stains with a cloth soaked in plain water.
It’s that easy!
Leave a Reply