Wooden furniture lasts for decades if it is cared for, but dust, humidity, cooking smoke and sticky fingers slowly dull the finish. The good news is that keeping wood looking new takes only a few minutes a week, as long as you avoid the two most common mistakes: too much water and the wrong cleaner.
What you need
- Two soft microfibre or cotton cloths (one for cleaning, one for buffing).
- A wood polish spray made for furniture.
- A soft brush for carved areas and corners.
- A bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, for sticky marks only.
How to clean and polish wooden furniture, step by step
- Dust first. Wipe the surface with a dry microfibre cloth. Dust rubbed in with polish acts like fine sandpaper.
- Remove sticky marks. Dip a cloth in the soapy water, wring it until it is almost dry, wipe the spot and dry it immediately.
- Test the polish. Try it on a hidden area first, such as the back of a leg or inside a door, especially on antique or painted wood.
- Apply the polish. Spray a light mist of wood polish spray onto the cloth or the surface, a small section at a time.
- Wipe along the grain. Work in the direction of the wood grain to spread the polish evenly.
- Buff. Use the second, clean cloth to buff the surface to a shine and remove any excess.
How often to polish
Dust wooden furniture once or twice a week. Polish dining tables, cabinets and doors every two to four weeks, and furniture that is rarely touched every month or two. Polishing too often can leave a build-up, so a light coat is enough.
Common problems and quick fixes
White water rings
These are moisture trapped in the finish. Wipe the area dry and leave it to breathe; light rings often fade on their own. Always use coasters and wipe spills straight away.
Dull, greasy kitchen cabinets
Cooking oil and smoke build a sticky film. Clean with a barely damp soapy cloth, dry, then polish. For laminated cabinets and kitchen slabs, a multi-surface cleaner is the better choice.
Dust in carved designs
Use a soft brush or a dry paintbrush to lift dust from carvings before you polish.
What not to use on wood
- Wet mops or soaking cloths. Water swells and stains wood.
- Vinegar, bleach or strong all-purpose sprays, which strip the finish.
- Abrasive scrubbers and steel wool.
- Too much polish at once, which leaves smears that attract dust.
Frequently asked questions
Dust with a dry microfibre cloth, remove sticky marks with a barely damp cloth, then apply a light coat of wood polish and buff along the grain.
Only with a cloth that is wrung almost dry, and the wood should be dried straight away. Never pour or spray water directly on wood.
Every two to four weeks for furniture you use every day, and every month or two for pieces that are rarely touched. Dust it weekly in between.
Yes. Wood polish spray can be used on wooden doors, wardrobes, cabinets, tables and sofa frames. Test it on a hidden spot first.
Clean off the old dust and grime first, let it dry, then apply wood polish in thin layers and buff each layer with a clean cloth.
Shop the products in this guide: Wood Polish Spray 500ml · Complete Home Cleaning Combo