Wooden furniture has always been popular. While the concept of furniture has been in existence for approximately 15,000 years, the evidence of wooden furniture originates from the Mesopotamia era, that’s an impressive 6,000 years ago.
You’re unlikely to have a piece of furniture that old at home, but there are some fantastic examples from the last 100 or 200 years which are still in daily use. Sometimes, they simply need a good, but careful, clean.
Of course, the best option may be to have a professional in furniture repair clean and restore it for you.
Dish Soap
Surprisingly, standard liquid dish soap is a good option for cleaning old wood furniture. However, before you start, it’s a good idea to test it on a small area first.
The best way to do this is to dip a cotton bud into some dish soap and then wipe it underneath the furniture. Wait for at least five minutes to ensure it doesn’t cause the varnish to run or make any other visible damage.
Assuming it doesn’t, you can make a solution of 500ml of water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Once this has been combined properly the liquid will be frothy. You can then submerge a clean cloth in the liquid and wring it out, ensuring it is damp. This can be used to wipe over the furniture.
You’ll be surprised at how effective it is
Toothpaste
To get into all the crevices you’re going to need more than a damp cloth. A toothbrush and toothpaste are actually an excellent choice. The toothpaste must not be the gel type. Again, it’s worth testing on a small area first.
Once you’re happy it won’t damage the wood furniture, apply a little toothpaste to the crevices with your finger. Leave it for at least 5 minutes and then scrub the crevices with the toothbrush. It will remove all the dirt.
Stain Removal
It’s not unusual for old furniture to have a stain or two, it shows it’s been used. You can remove the majority of these stains by using tea bags.
Start by boiling a liter of water and then add two teabags. Leave the tea to brew for about 10 minutes and make sure the water has cooled to room temperature. You can then dip a clean cloth into the tea and wring it out, to make it damp.
It’s then possible to lightly wipe the wood which will restore its shine and remove most small stains.
Larger, water-based stains need a little extra effort. You’ll want to mix some baking soda with your non-gel toothpaste. The mixture can be rubbed gently into the stain using a circular motion. Leave it there for a few minutes and then remove the mixture with a clean damp cloth.
Make sure the wood is fully dry before you re-varnish or do anything else.
Wood furniture is warm and often has a sentimental value, it’s worth taking the time to clean it properly and return it to like-new condition.
In an age of extravagance, minimalist interior design is a welcome splash of fresh air for home. De-cluttering the extraneous, prioritizing function, and embracing sleek visual beauty, minimalism is more a philosophy than a style. While minimalist interiors to others appear sparse or too minimalist, real estate trends indicate that minimalist, uncluttered houses are what […]
When designing a small space kitchen planners use smart solutions that help to save space and create a practical clutter-free kitchen environment for space and cooking things. A small space kitchen design can be very functional and beautiful if every inch is used and the right materials are selected. Having a small kitchen can be […]
Along with other furniture, storage units for living room play a vital role in Indian households. From handcrafted artifacts to vases and books, everything is stored in these units. Adding storage units for living room makes the space truly multipurpose while also acting as a fine decor element. Vivid products like TV units, bookshelves, consoles, […]
A well-designed driveway not only adds value to your property but also improves functionality and curb appeal. When it comes to creating a durable, attractive parking area, choosing the right type of parking tiles are essential. Parking tiles are specifically designed to withstand the weight of vehicles, resist weather elements, and maintain their appearance over […]
Looking to transform your dining space? A modern crockery unit design can be the key element for the upgrade! In addition to its usefulness, an ideal crockery unit design provides a less cluttered space, adds ease of access, and serves as a feature of your home. Recent innovations in design also allow you to adapt […]
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]