Oak furniture is amazing, isn't it? The robust solidity of hardwood and the beauty of the natural grain adds warmth and character to any room. Oak is a natural material that's versatile enough to be crafted into traditional or contemporary furniture, making it perfect for every home.
Whether it's an oak dining table and chairs, a sideboard or a coffee table, oak furniture is a great investment that should last for years to come, especially when you buy good-quality furniture from a trusted, reliable source like Homesdirect365.
Once you've invested in oak furniture, you really need to look after it, and that means keeping it clean. It might be solid, but oak can easily be scratched or ruined by stains. So, is there any special way to clean oak furniture?
In this blog, we'll look into different methods to see which ones are best - and the ones to avoid. We will cover everything from general advice on cleaning wood furniture to how to remove specific stains. We will also provide some tips on how to protect your oak furniture from future damage.
General Cleaning Tips
The most important thing to remember when cleaning oak furniture is to be gentle.
Start by wiping it down with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated. You can then use a damp cloth to wipe away any spills or stains.
Once you have cleaned your oak furniture, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. This will help to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.
This should be repeated several times a week for the best results.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wwarby/5106733699
Cleaning Oak Furniture With Polish
The key here is to use a polish or cleaning solution that is specifically designed for wood furniture. In fact, try to find one that's designed for hardwood furniture.
Polish with a high pure beeswax content is perfect as it gives a beautiful sheen and forms a protective layer that prevents dirt and grime from becoming ingrained.
Apply the polish sparingly, and if you use a spray can it's best to spray it onto the cloth rather than onto the oak surface itself. Use small, circular movements and ensure that the polish is rubbed in well.
If you are using wax polish from a bottle or tin, you only need to do this once a month to keep your solid oak furniture in tip-top condition.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish of your furniture. You can find out more on this subject below.
Hampton Oak Bedroom Collection
Cleaning Oak Furniture Naturally
If you're keen to use an environmentally friendly method, then many people recommend a mixture of two parts olive oil to one part white vinegar. The mix is important as you have to be careful not to add too much vinegar! Although it's touted as the perfect cleaning agent, vinegar can eat into the surface of the wood and make it dull.
You can keep this mixture in a bowl and dip your cloth into it, though you'll need to keep mixing it as it tends to separate. To make things easier, pour it into a clean spray bottle so you can shake it up as needed.
Apply a thin layer of the mixture to the surface and rub it in gently with a soft clean cloth. Use this method sparingly and never repeat the process too often or it will have the opposite effect.
Of course, pure beeswax polish is also a natural material and will make the wood crack resistant. Liquid wax is perfect for furniture with heavy carving or a lot of detail, and this can be applied with a brush to get into all those hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to try to apply in the same direction as the wood grain.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/your_teacher/386892379
Removing Specific Stains
Oak is porous, so spilt liquids will easily soak into the surface if you're not careful. If you have a stain on your oak furniture, there are a few things you can do to remove it.
Removing Water Stains
For water stains, try using a mixture of vinegar and oil as described above. Apply the mixture to the stain and leave it for several minutes. Then, wipe away the stain with a damp cloth. Oak contains a high amount of tannins, and these sometimes cause a chemical reaction to certain liquids, including water. In many cases, however, the white rings are due to moisture trapped between the wood and the finish. You could try running a hairdryer over the affected area, making sure it's on the lowest heat setting. Alternatively, place a cloth over the stain (a tea towel will do) and set your iron to its lowest heat and run it slowly over the top. The stains will most probably disappear!
Ink Stains
For ink stains, try using a mixture of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and water. Apply the mixture to the stain sparingly and leave it for several minutes then wipe it off with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.
Grease Stains
For grease stains, try using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it soak in for ten minutes or so. Wipe it off with a clean cloth and make sure it is dry.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthamm/3345598163
Removing Stains: Methods To Avoid
When removing dark stains, never use bleach or unsuitable cleaning products on your oak furniture or any wooden furniture, for that matter! It will attack the surface and do more harm than good. Chlorine bleach destroys lignin, the component in cell walls that helps wood keep its strength and structure. When you try to apply wood stains, waxes or polish, these will not bond with the surface. Why not read our blog post on what is wood stain used for?
It's not wise to use baking soda on wood either, especially a high-tannin wood like oak, as it may lead to a darker stain!
As mentioned above, vinegar is no friend to hardwood! It will damage the surface if you apply it neat or too frequently.
Countless websites recommend mayonnaise to get rid of water stains, but this is a bit hit and miss - it doesn't always work, despite the enthusiasm, and as it contains vinegar (and, in some cases, artificial colours that will stain the wood!) it may even harm the furniture if left on for too long.
If you really are unable to remove dark stains using the methods above, you may need to consider consulting a professional furniture restorer.
Top Tips For Protecting Your Oak Furniture
Now you know how to clean your oak furniture, it's just as important to protect it from future damage, so here are a few tips on caring for your oak furniture:
Dust Regularly
An obvious one, but very important! Simply wipe your oak furniture down with a clean cloth (preferably microfibre) several times a week.
Swift Action
Mop up spills immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel, as this will reduce the risk of having to get rid of tough stains later!
Waxing, Polishing & Varnishing
Apply a coat of furniture polish, furniture wax or varnish (or maybe even a good-quality wood stain). This will help to seal the wood and protect it from scratches, water damage, and other forms of wear and tear. It will also make it easier to clean as the surface will be sealed and non-porous. Untreated wood is far more likely to suffer from stains.
Excessive dryness can ruin a beautiful piece of furniture, and waxing your table or sideboard will seal the outer layer, making it easier to remove stains.
Before applying wax, you might want to lightly rub it down with a fine-grade steel wool (no.0000 is ideal). Apply the wax in the direction of the grain in thin coats and be sure to rub it all in, using circular motions.
Click here to see the different types of wood finishes.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-man-applying-varnish-3186683/
Invest In Table Mats & Coasters!
You should avoid placing any hot objects directly on your oak furniture as this can cause the wood to warp or discolour. Coasters and table mats with cork or foam bases are ideal. A padded tablecloth or runner should be used under anything sharp or that might cause scratches.
Protect The Feet
If your furniture is standing on a hard surface, like a solid wood floor, it's a good idea to put felt pads on the feet. This protects the floor, but also keeps the feet in good condition.
Keep The Temperature Stable
If at all possible, don't place oak furniture by any heat source, like a radiator, fireplace or air vent, whether it's hot or cold; air flow from HVAC systems and heat from radiators will eventually warp the wood.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Avoid placing oak furniture in direct sunlight as this will cause colour fading. It will also dry out the wood and cause it to crack. While oak furniture is a natural product that takes on an attractive patina over the years, you don't want your beautiful oak console table or sideboard to look faded and worn out.
Now you know how to clean oak furniture, and by following these tips you can keep your oak furniture looking its best and make it last a lifetime!
Read our guide to wood types to discover the characteristics and other members of the wood family.
How To Clean Oak Furniture was first seen on Homes Direct 365 Limited
from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2023/04/how-to-clean-oak-furniture/
No comments:
Post a Comment