Even if you dust and wipe down your wooden desk regularly, it can still develop a dark film over time. This calls for periodic deep cleaning. So, what’s the best way to clean your wooden desk?
Dust the surface and wipe it down with a damp, soft cloth to remove loose grime. Make a weak solution with dishwashing soap and water. Soak a microfiber cloth in the solution, wring out the excess water, and wipe down the entire desk surface. Dry the surface quickly with a clean microfiber cloth.
Since every stain, finish, and type of wood is slightly different, it’s hard to employ a cookie-cutter approach to cleaning the furniture. Let’s get started so you know how to clean your wooden desk properly without damaging the finish.
How to Clean a Wood Desk
Cleaning your wooden desk will be a lot easier if you have the right supplies and follow the correct steps. You want to start with the simplest, least damaging method, and make sure to spot-test a solution before applying it to the entire piece.
If you’re very unsure of what to do, it’s best to consult a local furniture repair company for advice.
Here’s what you’ll need to clean a wooden desk:
- Mild dish soap
- Microfiber cloths (on Amazon)
Other optional items include a cheesecloth, mineral spirits, and semi-solid furniture polish.
Steps for Cleaning a Wooden Desk
- Wipe down the desk with a damp microfiber cloth to remove grime and dust. You don’t want moisture to sit on the wood, so quickly follow with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Add two drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the damp microfiber cloth and test a tiny, out-of-sight section of the desk to ensure its finish won’t get damaged.
- If the soap is fine on the finish, add a few drops to a bowl of water and make a lather. Soak a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out any excess water.
- Work it thoroughly on the sections of the desk with sticky residue.
- Once you’ve cleaned off the gummy spots, quickly dry the desk with a clean microfiber cloth.
- For very stubborn spots, first test mineral spirits like you did with the dish soap before working on the affected areas. It’s also important you work in a well-ventilated area.
Depending on your desk’s finish, you might need to apply some wax to protect it and preserve its shine. Use a cheesecloth to apply silicone-free (semi-solid) wax on the desk, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then buff it in with a clean microfiber cloth.
How to Remove Stains From Wooden Tables
Follow these steps to remove stains from your wooden tables without damaging the finish:
- Start by dusting the table to remove surface dust.
- Mix a reasonable amount of dishwashing soap and water into a weak solution.
- Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring out the excess water, and wipe the entire piece.
- Be sure to work with a damp cloth, not a wet one! And to avoid saturating the wood, rinse the cloth often.
- Use a second, clean microfiber cloth to dry the piece thoroughly.
How to Remove Glue Residue and Stickers
Use a plastic scraping tool or the edge of an old credit card to loosen as much of the sticky residue as you can.
Then, place a dab of mineral or olive oil on a soft cloth and rub it across the stained area. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the surface.
You can even out the shine on the entire surface by giving it a finish with wood polish (on Amazon) or wax.
How to Remove Mold and Mildew Stains
Take the furniture outside to prevent spores from spreading to other pieces and areas of your home.
If this isn’t possible and the mildew is dry, use your vacuum’s upholstery or dusting attachment to suction away the loose mold and mildew.
Then, wipe the furniture using a microfiber cloth soaked in a solution of dishwashing soap. Dry the table as soon as possible with a clean, soft cloth.
How to Remove Water Rings and Ink Stains
There are two approaches to removing water rings left by cups and glasses:
- Rub some mayonnaise or olive oil into the whitened spot on your desk. Let it sit for up to an hour and buff it away with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Squeeze a small dollop of non-gel toothpaste onto a microfiber cloth and rub it gently on the water ring until it disappears. Wipe away the paste residue with a damp microfiber cloth then buff your desk’s surface with a soft, dry cloth.
To remove ink marks, follow these steps:
- Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of water into a thin paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected spot and rub it gently with a microfiber cloth until the stain disappears.
- Use a clean wet cloth to wipe away any residue of the baking soda paste and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Since baking soda is mildly abrasive, it may dull the finish slightly. You can apply some wax paste to restore the shine.
How to Keep a Wooden Desk Clean
Manufacturers usually apply shellac, varnish, or polyurethane to wooden surfaces to protect them from surface scratches. You too can protect the original finish by applying wax.
Liquid or semi-solid furniture wax will give your wooden desk a reliable hard finish. Remember, wax doesn’t smear and offers longer-lasting protection than sprays or polishes.
Depending on how often you dust and maintain your desk, wax paste finishes may last two years or more. Liquid wax may be easier to apply, but it leaves a thinner coating and may need frequent re-application compared to semi-solid wax.
Furniture polish may be your last choice to add luster to your wooden desk, but it won’t last as long as wax. However, don’t use aerosol polishes because they contain silicone oil and other solvents that can eat through the wooden vanish.