Your new piece of furniture has just found its way into your home and you’re blown away: It fits exactly under the sloping roof or in the niche in your bathroom and also meets all your other wishes. So that you can enjoy it for as long as possible, it is important to clean your wooden furniture in such a way that it is not damaged. Depending on the surface, there are a few things to consider. Whether waxed, oiled or varnished – we will tell you the best tips for cleaning and caring for your wooden furniture. Also see wooden wall clocks.
Properly clean and care for paintwork surfaces
Lacquered surfaces represent an attractive refinement for cupboards , shelves etc. – whether in the form of classic wood or plain decors or as eye-catching lacquered surfaces in bright RAL colours. It is important to clean lacquered wooden furniture in such a way that the surfaces retain their shine and are not scratched.
High-quality coatings have been used for the lacquered surfaces of our furniture. Therefore, cleaning and maintenance are quite easy. But in order to keep the look and functionality of your new favorite pieces for as long as possible, you should still follow a few tips.
The be-all and end-all: clean paintwork surfaces regularly
Lacquered or glazed wooden furniture has a solid surface that is very easy to care for. Normally regular dusting and damp wiping will suffice. Use a soft, clean cloth that doesn’t leave any lint. Dampen it lightly with water to which a little detergent has been added and wipe the surface gently. Vigorous scouring or polishing is out of place here!
Open-pored furniture surfaces may only be treated damp, not wet!
Since varnished wood can be scratched, you should not use microfiber cloths or cleaning agents with scouring particles, such as scouring milk, for wiping. Microfiber cloths act like light steel wool on painted surfaces. If you try to remove heavier dirt with them, you may sand the paintwork. Suitable cleaning agents are all-purpose cleaners that are pH-neutral and alkali-free. Dishwashing detergents can also be used to clean varnished wooden furniture – however, aggressive bathroom and toilet cleaners are a no-go.
If the dirt on the paint surface is a bit more stubborn, you can use a higher concentration of the cleaning agent, then wipe it off with clear water and finally with a dry cloth.
You should never put cleaning products undiluted on the paint surface to avoid damage.
Check each time you clean to see if you can spot scratches on the surface. This allows you to recognize minor damage in good time and repair it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Tips for cleaning painted surfaces:
- Dust regularly and avoid aggressive cleaning agents to extend the life of painted surfaces.
- Cleaning cloths with a smooth surface, for example made of leather or fine cotton, are suitable for varnished wood.
- Spilled liquids and wet areas should be dried as soon as possible.
Maintain lacquered surfaces of wooden furniture
In addition to regular cleaning, wooden furniture with lacquered surfaces could use a little more attention. Polishes or care products from a specialist are suitable for care. However, furniture polishes should not be used more than once a year to protect the paintwork. Some care products form a film and are colored, which is why they are not suitable for treating light-colored wood. In any case, always read the instructions for use!
Dyed care products are not suitable for light wood furniture. However, they enhance the visual effect of dark wood.
Caring for wooden furniture: Lye and oiled surfaces
Surfaces that are leached or oiled probably come closest to the desire for “pure wood”: the grain is clearly visible and can be felt with the hand. However, oiled wood is a bit smoother and greasy residues can build up between the fibers over time. If your wooden furniture falls into this category, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth (not wet!) and remove stains with a neutral detergent.
If the dirt is too stubborn, the surface must be sanded and then wiped off with a cloth. The affected area should then be re-oiled. It is generally advisable to treat oiled surfaces every few years. Especially when they are heavily used. To do this, clean the wood, apply wood oil, allow to soak in and finally polish with a soft cotton cloth.
Cleaning wooden furniture: Waxed surfaces
Wood surfaces that have been waxed are characterized by a natural structure. Wax residues can sometimes be felt there as a greasy film. They should be dusted and wiped with a damp cloth once a week. Take the time to regrow the wood once a year. To do this, clean the surface with a gentle neutral cleaner and then apply the natural wax. Beeswax is popular and can be easily applied with a lint-free woolen cloth. Wait a few minutes before removing the excess wax and buffing the surface.
Wood-based panels that are coated with melamine resin should be protected from permanent temperatures of > 50°C. Technical devices that radiate heat, such as laptops, should therefore not be placed directly on the surface.
Are you dreaming of custom-made furniture in your individual design? In the online configurator, you can plan cupboards, shelves, sideboards and more exactly how you want them to be. Choose from natural wood decors, chic plain decors or elegant lacquered surfaces in over 190 RAL colors to design furniture in your own personal style. Thanks to our care tips, the beauty of your furniture surfaces can be preserved for years.
