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Home / Cleaning Guides / Clothing & Fabrics / Furniture / How to Clean Unfinished Wood

How to Clean Unfinished Wood

Picnic-Table
Lauren said, “I have a dresser and drawers that are made of unfinished cedar wood. How do I clean this? There are no stains; it’s just old.”

Table of Contents:
  1. Cleaning the Wood
  2. Additional Tips and Advice
  3. Sources

Unfinished wood is a porous material, which can quickly soak up spills, food or product residues, or the natural body oils on a person’s hands.¹ Even household dust can soak into the pores of the wood. Use the information below to keep your unfinished surface clean.²

Cleaning the Wood

You Will Need:

  • A cloth
  • A vacuum
  • A rubber sponge
  • Mineral spirits or kerosene
  • Vegetable oil

Steps to Clean the Wood:

  1. Dust the wood frequently with a soft, dry cloth.² Vacuuming the wood with an upholstery attachment can also be effective.³
  2. For a more thorough cleaning, use a rubber sponge to scrub the table.⁴
  3. For a deep cleaning, moisten a cloth with some mineral spirits or kerosene and wring the cloth to remove any excess liquid. Test the solution on a hidden area first, and if safe, use the damp cloth to scrub the wood. Turn the cloth to a fresh area as it absorbs the dirt.²
  4. Once the table is clean, consider wiping it with vegetable oil to restore the shine.⁶

Additional Tips and Advice

  • Avoid any cleaner that is made for sealed wood or urethane-finished wood. These cleaners can cause the grain of unfinished wood to raise.⁵
  • Avoid applying excess moisture on the wood as it can cause it to swell or warp.⁴
  • For tough stains, see our guide: How to Remove Stains from Unfinished Wood.

Sources

  1. 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints & Tips by Reader’s Digest
  2. Clean It Fast, Clean It Right by Jeff Bredenberg
  3. Cleaning Tips for Free Spirits & Other Slobs by Martha A. Walden
  4. The Cleaning Encyclopedia by Don Aslett
  5. Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson
  6. Green Clean by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin

Furniture

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About the Author

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Melanie

Hi! I am a seasoned writer-researcher who prides myself on quality and accuracy. I always vet my sources and test the cleaning methods I prescribe! I hope my cleaning guides can help you out! :)

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Comments

  1. Judy says

    April 6, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Can I use Swiffer dry mop products on an oil finished wood floor? Are Swiffers considered microfiber as I have been told I should not use microfiber on my new oil finished floors? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoMelanie says

      April 8, 2018 at 10:44 pm

      Judy,
      According to Swiffer, “Swiffer products are safe to use on finished floors, but not recommended for unfinished, oiled or waxed woodfloors.” Instead, use either a cotton or wool dry mop. There are cotton replacement pads that can be used instead of Swiffer pads with a Swiffer-style wet or dry mop as well. Good luck!
      Source: Swiffer – How to Care for Wood Floors
      Source: Comparison Lab – 14 Mops for Hardwood Floors
      Source: US Floors – PDF Download, Maintenance of Oil-Finished Hardwood Floors

      Reply

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