An Invaluable Guide to Cleaning Vintage & Antique Wooden Furniture

Ever wonder what the process is to properly clean vintage and antique wooden furniture? As wood has been used in decorative arts for centuries (since the Stone Age, to be precise), there’s been plenty of time for dedicated makers and collectors to learn how to take care of it. So, to follow our recent Guide to Antique Woods, we’ve scoured top sources to compile a secondary guide on cleaning and restoring your pieces back to perfection. 

Of course, there are plenty of types of wood that your furniture could be made of (as detailed in our above-mentioned guide), but here’s what you need to know about cleaning antique and vintage wood in general. And while it’s nice to have clean furniture, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the some beauty to be found in the wear and tear of antiques and vintage pieces. 

How to Clean Antique Wooden Furniture

First, Determine the Finish of Your Wooden Furniture

If you’re not sure whether your piece of furniture has a shellac or other type of finish, it’s best to test for it first. Gather some protective gloves, denatured alcohol like methylated spirits or a wood spirit, and a cotton swab made of 100% cotton (don’t use artificial fibers, which can stick to the wood). 

Pour a small amount (about 1oz) of denatured alcohol into a small metal bowl or disposable cup. Dip the cotton swab into the alcohol, letting the fibers soak up the liquid. Rub the cotton swab on a small, hidden area of the piece of furniture, such as the back of a dresser. 

If the wood finish dissolves, this suggests that the wood has a shellac or wax finish, rendering it more challenging to clean (see our tips for cleaning wood with shellac finish below). It will also need refinishing. If the wood smudges or becomes sticky, this may mean it has a wax finish (see our tips for identifying and cleaning furniture finished with wax below). If the wood finish stays the same, this is good news. The finish is likely lacquer, polyurethane, oil, or varnish, and you can most likely clean the item yourself. If you know that the only finish on your wooden furniture is wax, this isn’t ideal for cleaning. In this case, use soap flakes instead of the oil soap solution described below.

Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture with a Wax Finish

Cleaning wooden furniture that has a wax finish is a separate process. Not sure if your item has a wax finish? Try using a cotton swab with a denatured alcohol like methylated spirits. Gently rub the swab on a hidden part of the wood. If it smudges, it may be wax. Another indicator is if you scrape your fingernail on an inconspicuous area and it leaves a mark, it is likely to be be wax. 

Step 1: Dust, dust, dust

As above, dusting your furniture should be your preliminary step. Not just before cleaning the furniture, but at regular intervals throughout the year. Using a soft-bristled brush may be the easiest way to remove dust that can stick to wax-finished surfaces.

Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solution

If your furniture is particularly dirty, you may wish to use a wax-based cleaner, such as beeswax or carnauba wax, to clean the furniture. Apply the wax-based cleaner to a soft cloth and rub it gently into the furniture. Allow the wax to sit for a few minutes before buffing it off with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 3: Keep out of the sun!

Avoid placing wax-finished furniture in direct sunlight or near sources of heat; this can cause the finish to soften, leaving it more prone to scratches and scrapes. It can also become more easily discolored, especially for lighter pieces of wood. . 

Cleaning Antique Wooden Furniture with a Shellac Finish

Cleaning wooden furniture that has a shellac finish is also a separate process. Not sure if your item has a shellac finish? Try using a cotton swab with a denatured alcohol like methylated spirits. Gently rub the swab on a hidden part of the wood, and if the finish dissolves, it’s probably shellac.

First of all, do not clean wood with a shellac finish with alcohol of any kind (example: isopropyl solution used on hardwood floors). In general, cleaning wood of any kind with alcohol can damage the finish, but this is a particularly important no-no for wood with shellac coating. Shellac coating tends to be delicate; it can be damaged by water, heat and chemicals so proceed gently. 

Step 1: Dust, dust, dust

As above, dusting your furniture should be your preliminary step. Not just before cleaning the furniture, but at regular intervals throughout the year.

Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solution

In this case, use a mild household cleaner (such as washing up liquid or dish soap) and mix it with warm water. : To clean the furniture, mix a small amount of mild soap (such as dish soap) with warm water in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out well. Wipe the surface of the furniture gently, being careful not to scrub too hard or use too much water.

Step 3: Dip and wring your cloth

As above, lightly dip a cotton cloth into the mixture but proceed with even greater caution: wring out your cloth to remove all excess soap and water and Do not use a very wet cloth on your furniture.

Step 4: Test your homemade cleaner

See instructions above; test your cleaner on an inconspicuous patch of wood.

Step 5: Continue cleaning other areas

Continue using a barely moist cotton cloth as well as a fully dry cotton cloth to wipe and dry all areas of your item. Be sure to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the furniture to prevent water damage and warping.

Step 6: Keep out of the sun!

Avoid placing shellacked furniture in direct sunlight or near sources of heat; this can cause the finish to crack or fade over time.

How to Clean Antique Wooden Furniture without Shellac

Step 1: Dust, dust, dust

We can’t stress this enough. First, don’t forget to (gently) dust your furniture regularly during the year. And right before you clean it, make sure you also dust it. Take a dry, soft cloth or a brush to remove dust from surfaces and corners. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for any difficult-to-reach areas.

Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solution

Dilute one ounce of oil soap (for example, Murphy’s) in six ounces of water, using a fork to whisk the solution together. Using oil soap is important because, unlike typical household soap, it will both clean and moisturize the existing wood finish. 

Step 3: Dip and wring your cloth

Lightly dip a cotton cloth into the mixture, then make sure to wring it out to remove all excess soap and water. Do not use a very wet cloth on your furniture, as moisture can damage old wood. Make sure the cloth is only damp before using, and never “wash” your wood.

Step 4: Test your homemade cleaner

Test your homemade cleaner by wiping the cloth very lightly along the grain of the wood, on a very small section of the furniture piece that you can’t see (perhaps on the back of the piece). This is just a precaution. Use a different fully dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining moisture from the wood. 

Step 5: Continue cleaning other areas

Continue using a barely moist cotton cloth as well as a fully dry cotton cloth to wipe and dry all areas of your item. As you begin cleaning, keep in mind that it’s best to start at the top of the antique wooden furniture piece and work your way down. Work along the wood grain, moving the soapy cloth in circular motions. If the cloth becomes too dirty, grab a new one and start over. When using the dry cloth, also work in circular motions along the grain.

Again, do not wash your wood with lots of water, as this can damage it by seeping into the grain, resulting in swelling or buckling.

Removing Grime and Stains from Wooden Furniture

You might need to use something stronger than diluted oil soap to clean your wooden furniture (without shellac or wax) if you’re dealing with oily fingerprint stains and grime. Enter: mineral spirits.

First of all, what are mineral spirits? Pure mineral spirits is one type of paint thinner. Other types of paint thinner include turpentine, acetone, naphtha, or other products that can thin oil-based paint. It’s certainly a strong substance, so how, exactly, do you clean antique wood with mineral spirits without damaging it? 

Pour a little bit of mineral spirits on a clean, soft cotton cloth – use a very small amount. Wipe it on a small area that’s hidden from view, per the steps above. Gently wipe the cloth along the grain before the mineral spirits evaporate. If all looks good, continue cleaning other stains and grime.

Removing Mildew from Wooden Furniture

Cleaning mildew off of wooden furniture is another challenge in itself. It’s stubborn, and it requires some extra strong solutions. Please note: Mildew releases particles as you clean it, which can be harmful for your health. Make sure to wear the following safety gear before starting the cleaning process:

• • An air mask to protect your lungs and prevent inhalation of mildew particles. An all-too-familiar N-95 mask would work well, keeping out 95% of airborne particles.
  • Goggles to prevent mildew spores from reaching your eyes, which could cause health problems like allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Rubber gloves to prevent skin irritation if you touch the harsh cleaning solution or the mold.

Step 1: Clean furniture with a soft cloth

Quickly wipe down your antique wooden furniture piece with a soft cloth to remove any dust.

Step 2: Make an oil & vinegar solution

Using distilled white vinegar and linseed oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil (to replace oil soap), make a one-to-one solution in a bowl. Whisk the solution together with a fork or a whisk.

Step 3: Wipe away a small portion of mold with new cloth

Take a new dry cloth (not the one you used to wipe away dust) and dip a corner of it into the solution. Lightly rub the damp cloth on the wood grain in circular motions. Make sure to focus on mildew-ridden areas.

Step 4: Wipe away loosened mildew with new cloth

Using another dry, clean cloth, wipe away the loosened mildew and any leftover residue.

Adding a Final Touch: Waxing Antique Wooden Furniture 

After cleaning your antique wooden furniture, you could also consider applying a wax finish to add some extra protection. To do so, you can use beeswax instead of a spray polish (which, in time, could dull the wood). 

Simply put a small amount of beeswax polish on a soft cotton cloth, gently wipe the wood in the direction of the grain, and then re-polish using a second clean cloth.

Check out our curated selection of “Flawsome” pieces coming to auction soon

Still Unsure? Consult a Professional

If you’re still a bit unsure about how exactly to clean your specific piece of vintage or antique wooden furniture, you can always consult a professional. First, BADA could be a source of additional tips on how to clean, maintain, and restore your furniture. 

You can also directly contact an antique furniture expert or dealer; members of The Association of Art and Antiques Dealers (LAPADA) or Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Œuvres d’Art (CINOA) are a good place to start.