Cleaning wooden tables

Last update on .

Cleaning wooden tables

Essentials

  • Clean microfibre cloths

  • Washing up liquid

  • A wood cleaning product

Wood is a sensitive material. If you’re cleaning a table other than your own, always ask the owner what is best to use for the job. You should also test any cleaning product you use on an inconspicuous area first.

Method

  • First, clear all coasters and other items from the table.

  • Start with a dry microfibre, giving the table a good dust and removing any crumbs from the surface.

  • Dampen a microfibre cloth in a (very) mild solution of warm water and washing up liquid. Wring dry and test on an inconspicuous area of the table, such as the inside of a leg.

  • Assuming there’s no reaction, you’re ready to proceed.

  • Using your slightly damp cloth, wipe the surface of the table. Start in the far corner, and work left to right, back to front. Re-dampen and wring the cloth every few seconds to avoid moving dirt around. Make sure that you’re paying attention to any grooves that could be hiding dirt.

  • Once the top of the table is wiped, work around the rim to ensure that all visible areas are nice and clean.

  • Using a different, dry microfibre, work your way back over all areas that you’ve cleaned. Wood can warp if left wet, so it’s super important that you remove any excess moisture.

  • From time to time, you will want to follow up this process with an application of a wood polisher product, as per the product instructions. Make sure this isn’t done every time though, as this can cause a build-up of product.

Written by on