If there is a lot of dust on the wood and a dry cloth doesn’t do the trick, then you can wipe it down with a barely-damp microfiber cloth instead to get rid off all the dust.
If the wood looks the same where you test the detergent, then it’s safe to proceed with cleaning the whole piece. [4] X Expert Source Raymond ChiuHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019. You will be able to see after a couple of minutes whether the detergent hurts the finish.
Don’t worry too much about the exact ratio, you just want to create a diluted dish detergent and water solution. A bit more detergent or less water won’t affect how it cleans. As an alternative to liquid dish detergent, you can use an oil soap. Mix the oil soap with water in the proper ratio according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
You don’t want to soak the wood while you are cleaning it, so it’s important that the cloth isn’t dripping wet. [8] X Expert Source Raymond ChiuHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
Try to clean the wood as fast as you can so you don’t let it stay wet for too long. Water can warp wood if it soaks into it.
If you still see any dirty spots after you dry the wood, then you can repeat the process or try another method to get rid of it.
Mineral spirits are also known more commonly as paint thinner.
Mineral spirits are safe for most wood finishes, but make sure to always test it on a hidden area and check for discoloration. If there is no discoloration, proceed with the cleaning. You will notice right away if the mineral spirits remove any of the finish.
The more mineral spirits you use, the more fumes you will be exposed to as well. This is why it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area and not pour out too much of the liquid onto the rag.
If the wood has any carved parts or hard-to-reach bits, you can use an old toothbrush dipped in mineral spirits to get in them and scrub.
If the wood is still wet to the touch after you wipe it down, then rub it with a clean dry cloth in circular motions to dry it off.
It’s important to dilute the vinegar with water as concentrated vinegar can discolor some wood finishes.
If the wood looks fine after you test the solution, then it’s safe to proceed with using the vinegar solution to clean the whole piece. You will be able to see within a couple of minutes if the solution damages the finish at all.
Alternatively, you can put the solution in a spray bottle and just spray it onto the cloth to moisten it.
If the rag gets visibly dirty, rinse it out with regular water and wring it out until it looks clean again. Repeat the process until you’ve cleaned the whole wood piece.
If you notice any areas where it is still dirty, just go back over them with the vinegar solution and cloth. If there are any cracks, such as decorative carved areas, then you can use a toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub inside them.
