Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Different Wood Finishes in Home

Wood furniture and floors can enhance your home’s overall look and feel. Their natural and shiny texture and fine tones can add elegance, warmth, and timeless appeal to any room. Highly finished and clean hardwood floors create a welcoming ambience, while wooden cabinets, doors, window frames, and other furniture pieces look classy and chic.

However, you need to be extra careful when cleaning and maintaining the lustre finish of your wooden surfaces. Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend their life, keep your rooms shiny and promote an aesthetically beautiful home in Perth. It is important to understand the different types of polishes and clean them accordingly to prevent damage or discolouration.

Here is a complete cleaning and maintenance guide to help clean different wood finishes at home. Instead of using fancy and expensive cleaning products, use the agents mentioned in this article and achieve spotless results.

1. Mild Dish Soap For Wax Finish

A wax finish on wooden surfaces provides a shiny and natural-looking sheen to enhance the grain and texture of the wood. It also provides a smooth, luxurious, and comfortable feel. However, the wax finish is prone to moisture and abrasive products, so it is good to use gentle cleaning agents.

Professional vacate cleaning Perth experts prefer using a mixture of mild dish soap liquid and warm water. Here are the quick steps to clean and maintain its shine:

• Remove loose dirt and debris with a microfiber cloth
• Soak a cloth in dishwashing soap solution and squeeze out excess water
• Gently wipe down the surface
• Dry the surface with a dry cloth to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Baking Soda and Olive Oil for Painted Wood

Painted woods are ideal for cabinets, door frames, windows, and other household décor items. They look classy and elegant, boosting the overall feel of any space. The primary purpose of paint is to cover the surface and enhance its beauty. So, do not use store-bought cleaners, as they can lead to deep damage and dullness.

Whether you are an environmentally conscious homeowner or not, always use mild and natural agents. Baking soda is great for removing grease and grime stains from the surface. Gently scrub the paste and wipe down with a damp cloth. Olive oil and vinegar can be used to polish the painted wood like a pro.  will add an extra shine to the surface.

3. Regularly Clean Oil Finished Wood

An oil finish on the wood is a treatment to penetrate the wood fibres and boosts natural texture and tone. The oils used are linseed and tung for a matte and satin finish. It can protect your wooden piece from moisture buildup, scratches and minor wear. Make sure you maintain the following cleaning routine:

• Dust regularly using a dry microfiber cloth
• Wipe down the dirt and stains with a damp cloth. Use mild soap and detergents
• Reapply oil every 6-12 months to restore its original shine
• Always buff with a clean cloth after applying a layer of oil.
• Protect the surface from excessive water exposure and direct sunlight.

4. Carefully Clean Varnished Wood Finish

A varnished wood finish involves a hard coating that creates a protective layer on the wooden surface. It can boost the wood’s natural shine, beauty, and gloss while safeguarding it against moisture and scratches.

If you want to maintain its intact shine, regularly clean them with a damp microfiber cloth. Instead of using harsh chemicals like ammonia and other VOCs, use natural cleaning agents like mild dishwashing soap, baking soda, etc. However, it is good to avoid using excess water or sharp cleaning tools to prevent its finish. This will create a beautiful and resilient barrier that will last longer.

Vacate cleaning Perth experts recommend polishing once or twice a year to add a protective layer to the surface.

5. Use Castile Soap for a Lacquered Finish

It is used as a coloured coating to protect your wooden piece’s natural gloss and grain. The best part is that it dries quickly and provides a sheer finish. It can also protect the wooden surface from moisture, scratches and minor wear and tear. This type of finish is often used on kitchen cabinetry and household furniture for a modern look.

To clean lacquered wood finishes, mix castile soap and warm water in a bowl and wipe down the surface. This is one of the best solutions for removing stubborn stains, grime, and gunk from surfaces. You can also gently scrub with a sponge or a magic eraser. Shiny wooden surfaces and clean areas can automatically increase the value of your home. So, regularly clean the surfaces for pristine shine.

6. Clean and Maintain Shellacked Finish

Shellacked finishes are natural coatings made from shellac. They are dissolved in alcohol to create a thin liquid that is applied to wood. Shellacked finishes give extra shine and smoothness to the texture and look perfect on antiques, furniture, and decorative pieces.

Do not use harsh chemicals. Instead, apply mild dish soap and warm water to tackle stains and grime. Vacate cleaning Perth professionals recommend using beeswax polish to protect and restore the shine of your shellacked wood finish. You can also hire them for a thorough cleaning of your rental property and avoid unwanted disputes at the end of your tenancy.

How to Clean and Maintain Different Wood Finishes?

Wrapping up

Maintain the sheer shine and beauty of different wood finishes in your home. The best part about this guide is that all the solutions are environmentally friendly, super accessible, and affordable. So, what are you waiting for? Clean and maintain your wooden surfaces like a pro.