How to Clean a Wooden Table: Your Guide to Maintenance and Care

Whether it's your dining, coffee and console tables, or any piece of our solid wood furniture, maintaining the natural look of real wood furniture takes proper care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean and protect your wooden tables in your home. These tricks of the trade have all been advised by our wooden furniture experts.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Wooden Table

Cleaning a wooden table is a straightforward process, but with natural solid timber, it's essential to use the right methods and products to preserve the wood’s finish and longevity. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Regular Dusting

Dusting is the first step to maintaining your wooden table. Dust dulls the surface of your table and potentially leads to scratches.

• What to Use: A soft, dry cloth or a microfiber duster.
• How Often: Try to dust your table at least once a week to keep it looking fresh and clean.
  

Step 2: Wiping Down the Surface

For cleaning, you’ll need more than just dusting to remove fingerprints, smudges, and light spills.

• What to Use: A clean damp cloth, ensure the cloth is well-wrung to avoid soaking the wood.
• How to Do It: Follow the grain of the wood and gently wipe down the surface. After wiping, immediately dry the table with a clean, dry cloth to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning

Every few months, it’s important to give your wooden table a deeper clean to remove any built-up grime.

• What to Use: Warm water and a damp cloth.
• How to Do It: Clean the surface with a damp cloth, followed by a thorough drying. For stubborn stains, repeat the process.

Our Advice for How to Clean Wooden Furniture  

What is the Best Thing to Clean Wood Furniture With?

The best products for cleaning wood furniture are those that are gentle and non-abrasive. A soft cloth dampened with a clean warm water is usually sufficient for regular cleaning. Always avoid harsh chemicals, as they can strip the wood of its natural oils and damage the finish.

Can I Clean a Wood Table with Vinegar?

Vinegar is a common household cleaner, but when it comes to wood furniture we recommend avoiding using it. While vinegar is effective at cutting through grease and grime, its acidic nature can potentially damage the wood’s finish if not diluted properly.

Should I use a Wax Care Pack? 

After cleaning, maintaining the look and durability of your wooden table is essential. This is where our Wax Care Packs come in, providing the perfect solution for both regular maintenance and restoring your table's natural beauty.

Waxing your wooden table protects the wood from daily wear and tear while enhancing its natural grain and colour. Unlike varnish or lacquer, which can be difficult to repair, our wax finishes are easy to restore, making them ideal for long-term wood care.

Our Furniture Care and Maintenance Packs:

We offer two main types of Care Packs tailored to our different wood types & wax finishes:

1. Wax Care Pack: Ideal for highlighting the unique markings of your wooden furniture. This pack includes everything you need to maintain the appearance of your pine tables. Ensure you order the same wax care pack as your furniture’s finish. 
2. Oak Furniture Maintenance Pack: Specifically curated for our oak ranges, including the Doxford and Salters Collections. These packs provide a protective oil that enhances the natural beauty of oak whilst offering a superior finish. 

How to Use Our Care Packs to Re-Wax Your Pine Furniture:

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the table is clean and dry. If there are any minor scratches, use the included sandpaper to smooth them out, following the grain of the wood.
2. Apply the Wax/Oil: Using the cloth provided, apply a thin layer of wax or oil to the table in a circular motion. Work in small sections to ensure even coverage.
3. Buff the Surface: After application, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff the table with a clean, soft cloth to achieve a smooth finish.
4. Repeat if Necessary: For added protection, apply additional coats, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before the next.

Start Cleaning Your Wooden Table with Confidence 

Keeping your wooden table in top condition requires a combination of regular cleaning and periodic waxing. With proper care you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your solid wood furniture for years to come. Whether your table is made from pine or oak, our care packs offer the perfect solution for maintaining its natural charm and durability.