We use our dining tables daily, for breakfast, doing homework, and weekend celebrations. We place hot pots and cups on them, and sometimes spill sauce or drinks. A dining table must endure and withstand quite a lot over the years. Especially on solid wood surfaces, signs of use and scratches are not unavoidable. But with proper cleaning and care, you can enjoy your solid wood table for a long time.
Wooden Tables – Proper Cleaning
Once a week, you should free your dining table from dust and coarse dirt. Use a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Never use chemical cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, or corrosive household cleaners to clean your wooden table. Use only a small amount of water; a damp cloth is completely sufficient.
Moisture and liquids are the biggest enemies of wooden surfaces, especially if they are untreated or oiled. If you spill something, whether coffee or water, wipe your wooden table immediately. If liquids remain on the wood surface for too long, the wood could swell due to moisture. To avoid unsightly glass and cup rings on your dining or coffee table, you should use appropriate coasters for drinks. Damage caused by moisture is difficult to remove.
For stains on oiled tables, it’s best to use a mild plant or core soap. For stubborn stains, you can briefly apply a mixture of cooking oil and table salt, then wipe dry.
Wooden tables with lacquered surfaces are more robust and easier to clean. The lacquer usually provides sufficient protection against moisture. Nevertheless, you should wipe up spilled liquids as quickly as possible with a soft cloth.
For waxed tables, stubborn stains can be removed with a wax balm cleaner.
Large-scale or old stains, e.g., on attic, bulk waste, or flea market finds, can usually only be removed by sanding the wooden surface. It’s best to treat the sanded wood afterward with a suitable lacquer or stain of your choice.
These Care Tips Help Prevent Damage to Your Dining Table and Other Wooden Furniture
1. Properly Clean and Maintain Solid Wood Furniture
For cleaning wooden furniture, use gentle cleaning agents and suitable cleaning cloths. Avoid aggressive cleaners and sprays. For heavy soiling, use special care products from specialty stores.
2. Protect Wood Surfaces from Heat and Moisture
Wipe up spilled liquids immediately. Do not place hot items, pots, pans, and cups directly on the wood. Use appropriate coasters.
3. Avoid Scratches and Dents in Wood
Protect the wooden surface from unsightly scratches with tablecloths, runners, or placemats. Do not place sharp-edged objects on the wooden furniture.
4. Observe Maintenance Measures for Solid Wood Furniture
On lacquered wood surfaces, small scratches can be fixed with a touch-up pen from a hardware store. Oil or wax your wooden furniture regularly to maintain protection against moisture. When treating or maintaining wood surfaces, always work in the direction of the grain. Ensure a constant room climate in your living spaces; wood reacts very sensitively to humid environments and large temperature differences. If possible, do not expose your furniture to direct sunlight.
Can Wood Be Cleaned with Dish Soap?
Many instinctively reach for dish soap when it comes to cleaning wood—but that’s not a good idea. Dish soap is not suitable for wooden furniture as it dissolves grease and dries out the surface. Especially with oiled wooden tables, regular cleaning with dish soap can remove the protective oil layer, making the wood more susceptible to stains and moisture. Even lacquered wooden furniture can lose its shine over time due to dish soap.
The better alternative: Use a special wood cleaner that removes dirt without drying out the wood. This way, your table remains durable and retains its beautiful surface.
Maintaining Wooden Tables with Furniture Care and Repair Sets from moebro.de
Chipped paint or wood cracks? Small lacquer damage on your furniture piece? Remedy with our repair wood color – as wax or lacquer.
Looking for cleaning and care for your oiled beech wood furniture? Then we can recommend the care set for beech wood from Göhring.
A wooden table stays beautiful for a long time if you maintain it regularly and clean it gently. With the right tips for cleaning wooden tables, you preserve their natural radiance and protect the surface permanently.