How to Clean Old Wood Furniture With Mineral Spirits

Old furniture can be beautiful, but it also needs care. This article will teach you how to clean antique furniture safely.

We hand-pick items for our readers and may earn a small commission if you buy something featured on this page.
clean antique wood furniture

Cleaning antique furniture requires special consideration. For example, don’t just clean old wood furniture like you would a glass coffee table. Doing so could damage the antique and permanently reduce the item’s value. The idea is to keep the antique in as original a condition as possible. You don’t want to remove the finish, stain the finish, or warp the wood while cleaning.

There are several methods to clean wood furniture, but figuring out the type of wood, the finish, and the extent of any damage will help you determine which cleaning method makes the most sense. You can be more aggressive if you are cleaning hardwood furniture with an uncompromised poly finish.

Warning

When using mineral spirits, always ensure adequate ventilation and avoid direct skin contact, as prolonged exposure can cause skin irritation and harmful fumes.

Wood Furniture Cleaning

For us, we prefer the least abrasive and most gentle method for antique furniture. While mineral spirits are still a solvent, they are one of the more gentle options. This method will work for all types of wood, regardless of the condition or finish. To learn how we clean off our wood antiques, check out the how-to instructions below.

Total Time Needed :

30

Minutes

Tools:

– Lint-free cloth
– Gloves
– Respirator

Supplies:

Steps

Step 1: Set Up Workspace

Move the furniture to a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Wipe down the furniture with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove loose dust and debris. 

Step 2: Examine the Wood

First, inspect the piece for noticeable signs of damage. Make a note of cracks, wobbly parts, missing veneer, scratches, etc. Next, determine the type of wood. Finally, see if you can figure out the wood finish and whether or not there’s visible grime or hazing. The finish might be wax, poly, or shellac, or the wood could be bare. If there are bare spots, you’ll need to be extra careful.

Step 3: Test a Small Spot

While wearing gloves, apply some mineral spirits to an absorbent cloth and test a small area to see if any finish is removed. If the cloth only shows surface grime, rub down the entire piece. In theory, mineral spirits are gentle enough to not remove shellac, poly, or stain from the wood. On the other hand, mineral spirits are effective at removing unwanted build-up. Keep in mind that if the wood topcoat is badly damaged, you may need to reapply a new layer after cleaning. 

Step 4: Wipe Down Furniture

After your initial wipe down, locate any area with a tough layer of grime, grease, or darkened spots. Apply mineral spirits to a section of steel wool and gently buff away surface grease and grime. This step will dissolve stubborn dirt, wax, oil, and polish that dulls the original finish. Be careful not to damage the finish with too much pressure or with steel wool that is too gritty. We recommended grade #0000 for this purpose. 

Step 5: Allow to Dry

Give the piece a final wipe down with a dry, clean cloth and let any remaining solvent evaporate. Once the project is complete, dispose of rags and steel wool safely. Remember, mineral spirits are flammable. 

Notes

Do not mix mineral spirits with water. For different cleaning methods, be sure to use water sparingly on antique wood furniture. Excessive water can get underneath the finish, cause the joints to swell, compromise glue, and in extreme cases, water can warp the wood. This cleaning method does not require water for this reason.

We hope this simple wood cleaning method works for you! Once the antique furniture is clean, you can decide if you want to revive or refinish the wood further. Just remember to consider the pros and cons of restoring wood furniture before you do. Good luck.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By clicking “Accept“, you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Accept Read More