How to remove smudges from wood furniture?
Before using any cleaning solution on the whole item, test a small amount of product in an inconspicuous location (maybe an area on the underneath). To remove dirt and smudges, start with a mild cleanser before moving to a stronger one if the gentler one fails and implement the following steps:
- Add a drop of washing up liquid to a cotton ball or pad which is damp with water.
- Wipe the ball on an unnoticeable part of the furniture, such as the inner part of a table leg. If you notice the detergent spoiling the appearance of the test area, continue without the soap. If there is no evidence of impairment, then you are safe to continue.
- Mix the liquid and water into a bucket and use the solution to sponge down the entirety of the piece.
- The furniture should not be soaking wet. Instead, wipe the sponge lightly over the surface. Dry it thoroughly just a few minutes after letting the solution linger.
How to get fingerprints off wood furniture?
The above process should work to remove most small blemishes from your wooden surfaces. Fingerprints, however, can be stubborn and you may need to use a different cleaning technique to achieve an impeccable finish. You can rid your wooden furniture of any unwanted prints in the following manner:
Step 1: Polish the piece of furniture as normal using a commercial polish or you can make one from scratch by mixing one cup of mineral oil with a couple of drops of lemon extract.
Step 2: Use a soft cloth to clean the wood with your polish. Always follow the grain of the wood and wipe down the surface area gently. Do not use any rapid or circular motions as this can result in swirling imprints.
Step 3: Sprinkle cornflour over the polished wooden surface.
Step 4: Buff the surface with a soft, thoroughly dry cloth. The cornflour is used to remove any excess polish and prints.