Timber furniture adds warmth, character, and natural charm to any home. But if you’re wondering how to clean timber furniture without causing damage or dulling its finish, you’re not alone. Caring for timber might seem tricky at first, especially if it’s your first time or you own a treasured antique piece. The good news is, with a few simple steps and the right products, you can keep your timber looking stunning and ensure it lasts for generations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential cleaning and care tips to protect your timber furniture’s finish and beauty, from everyday dusting to tackling stubborn stains. Plus, we’ll highlight why manufacturer advice matters and what to avoid to keep your timber healthy.
Why gentle cleaning matters for timber furniture
Timber is a natural material, so it’s vulnerable to moisture and harsh chemicals. Excess water can cause timber to swell, warp, or crack, damaging the structure and finish. Meanwhile, many common cleaning products contain bleach, ammonia, or vinegar, which can erode or dull timber finishes over time.
This means your cleaning approach needs to be gentle but effective. Regular dusting with a soft cloth helps prevent dirt build-up that can scratch or wear finishes. When cleaning is necessary, using mild soap with minimal moisture and drying surfaces immediately protects your timber’s appearance and longevity.
Special care for antique and older timber pieces
Older timber furniture, including antiques, is particularly sensitive to moisture and abrasive cleaning. Their finishes may be thinner or more fragile, so it’s crucial to avoid soaking or aggressive scrubbing. Always use the gentlest cleaning methods possible and dry quickly. If unsure, consult a restoration expert or your furniture supplier for tailored care instructions.
How to clean timber furniture: the essential tools and supplies
Before you start, gather the right tools to avoid accidental damage:
- Soft, lint-free cloths (microfiber is ideal)
- Mild, pH-neutral soap (dish soap diluted in water works well)
- A small bucket or spray bottle with water
- Vacuum with brush attachment (for dust in crevices)
- Optional: manufacturer-recommended oils or waxes for polishing
Avoid abrasive sponges, harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia, or natural disinfectants like vinegar, which may seem safe but can harm your timber finish.
Step-by-step guide: cleaning timber furniture safely
1. Dust regularly to prevent build-up
Dust your furniture at least once a week using a dry, soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment. This simple step prevents dust from settling and scratching the surface.
2. Spot clean stains gently
For minor spills or stains, use a lightly damp cloth with warm water. Gently wipe the area without soaking the timber. For stubborn marks, add a few drops of mild soap diluted in water to the cloth. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
3. Dry surfaces immediately
After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe away any moisture. Leaving water on timber surfaces can lead to damage, so quick drying is essential.
4. Deep clean occasionally with care
If your timber needs a more thorough clean, mix a small amount of mild soap with water in a bucket or spray bottle. Dampen your cloth lightly—never soak it—and wipe the furniture, following the grain of the wood. Rinse your cloth often and finish by drying the surface thoroughly.
Caring for your timber finish: oils, waxes and polish
Maintaining your timber’s finish is key to preserving its shine and protection. Ask your furniture manufacturer which products suit your specific timber and finish, as not all oils, waxes or polishes are compatible.
Oils and waxes: nourishing your timber
Oils penetrate below the surface to protect and enrich the wood grain, while waxes provide a protective layer and add sheen. Using these periodically keeps timber hydrated, preventing drying and cracking. For example, Jarrimber’s range of natural oils can enhance the look of timber furniture while offering protection.
Avoid inappropriate products
Some commercial sprays and polishes contain silicones or other chemicals that can build up over time, making future refinishing difficult. Always check product ingredients and manufacturer recommendations before use.
When to seek professional advice
If your timber furniture is antique, heavily damaged, or has a special finish, it’s best to contact experts. Professional restorers and manufacturers like Jarrimber can provide guidance or offer refinishing services to restore your timber’s original beauty safely.
Additional tips to protect timber furniture
- Keep timber out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying.
- Use coasters and placemats to avoid water rings and heat damage.
- Maintain stable indoor humidity to prevent timber warping.
- Avoid placing timber near heating vents or fireplaces.
Explore Jarrimber’s premium timber furniture and care products
For those seeking high-quality timber pieces or expert advice on maintenance, explore Jarrimber’s collection of Jarrah furniture, Tasmanian Oak timber, and Marri timber furniture. Our timber dining tables combine craftsmanship with durable finishes designed for long-lasting beauty.
If you have questions about how to clean timber furniture or want personalised care tips, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you preserve and enjoy your timber furniture for years to come.
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember when it comes to wooden furniture is that you need to ensure that contact with moisture is minimised. This is because, as a natural material, wood is susceptible to warping and damage if it has prolonged contact with moisture. Not only will this affect the look and longevity of your furniture, it will also be difficult to repair.
Aside from this, you must avoid using cleaning solutions that have harsh chemicals. Avoid using bleach, harsh soaps, and even natural disinfectants like vinegar, as this can not only damage the finish of your furniture, but also compromise the protective barrier that helps keep your timber furniture looking great and shiny.
As such, when caring for wooden marri furniture, any cleaning methods that you are thinking of using should not only require the least amount of moisture contact, but should also be gentle on your wooden surfaces without compromising its cleaning effectivity.
What is the best thing to clean wood furniture with?
When you first buy your timber furniture, your best bet to care for it properly from the very beginning is to inquire with the manufacturer and supplier what cleaning method and solution they recommend for use. This ranges from dusting to remove build up of airborne debris, to cleaning off stains – while these may require the introduction of water to remove build up, it is always recommended to immediately wipe affected surfaces to wick away the moisture afterward.
In general, when it comes to cleaning wooden furniture, a damp cloth, a gentle soap cleaner, and a dry cloth are all you’ll need. A damp cloth will work wonders to wipe away surface stains, and for stubborn ones you can use a gentle soap, and this will be highly effective in keeping your wooden furniture clean and cared for. Just don’t forget to dry off all surfaces as soon as you can.
And when it comes to keeping the finish glossy and fresh, ask your manufacturer if they recommend oil polishes and sprays, and perhaps waxes, to keep your marri furniture looking shiny and new. Certain brands on the market may not be suitable for the finish used on your furniture, and as such, you need to know what ingredients to look out for in order to ensure that you are helping to care for your furniture, and not further damaging it.