Staining wood can be a more involved process than you might think. Not only is it important to pick a good stain and avoid common mistakes throughout the process, but you should also make sure you clean the wood properly before you begin.
Clean wood before staining it to remove dirt, debris, oil, and grease — and to help with a smooth finish when the whole process is done. A mix of dish soap and warm water is usually sufficient to clean the wood. After cleaning the wood, make sure you also sand it properly.
Let’s take a closer look at why you should clean wood before staining, how to do it, and how to pick a wood stain that’ll give you the best finish.
Should You Clean Wood Before Staining?

It’s important to clean wood before staining for quite a few reasons. The cleaning process allows you to do the following:
Remove Dirt and Debris
Wood surfaces can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris over time, and this accumulation can interfere with the staining process. Cleaning the surface removes any contaminants and helps to ensure that the stain adheres properly.
Remove Oil and Grease
Wood surfaces may also contain natural oils or grease, which can interfere with the staining process. Cleaning the surface with a degreaser (on Amazon) or mineral spirits can remove the oils and grease and prepare the surface for staining.
Help the Stain Penetrate
If the wood surface is dirty or contains oils and grease, the stain may not be able to penetrate the wood properly. This can result in an uneven finish, with areas that are darker or lighter than others. By cleaning the wood before staining, you can make sure that the stain is absorbed evenly into the wood.
Help the End Aesthetic
A clean, well-prepared surface is important for achieving a professional-looking finish. Staining over a dirty or oily surface can result in a patchy, uneven finish.
How to Clean the Wood
Cleaning the wood is a simple process. You can follow these steps:
- Run a microfiber mop or cloth (on Amazon) over the surface to remove dust and debris.
- Mix dish soap (on Amazon) and warm water and mop the surface of the wood with it.
- Run a mop or cloth over the surface again with just water.
- Dry the wood.
How to Sand Wood Before Staining

Another important step to take before staining is sanding the wood. Fortunately, this isn’t a difficult part of the process; it can be done by following these steps:
- Choose Your Sandpaper: A medium-grit sandpaper, such as 120 or 150 grit, is a good starting point for most wood sanding projects. If the wood has rough patches or if you need to remove a previous finish, you might need to use a coarser grit to start.
- Begin Sanding: Use long, even strokes in the direction of the grain, applying consistent pressure to the surface of the wood. This helps the surface stay smooth and even.
As the sandpaper becomes less effective, switch to a fresh sheet. Make sure you pay attention to corners, edges, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Switch to a Finer Grit: Once you’ve sanded the surface with the medium-grit sandpaper, use a finer-grit sandpaper, such as 220 grit, to smooth out the surface and prepare it for staining.
- Remove Dust: Use a vacuum or a microfiber cloth to remove all sawdust and debris from the surface of the wood before applying your stain.
Tips for Choosing a Wood Stain
There are a few things to consider when choosing a wood stain. Think about the following when making your purchase:
- The type of wood (Some woods absorb stains more easily, so you’ll want to pick a stain appropriate for the wood.)
- The color of the stain (This will affect the aesthetic finish.)
- The level of transparency
- The finish (such as gloss or matte)
You should also make sure the specific stain you choose comes from a reputable company and has good reviews. Some products are better than others, so by taking some time to look at reviews from verified purchases, you can make a better decision about what’s best for you.
Mistakes to Avoid When Staining
There are a few mistakes to avoid when staining wood. By familiarizing yourself with what to avoid, you’ll be well on your way toward the best finish.
The first thing to avoid is choosing an inappropriate stain for the type of wood. For example, softwoods like pine and spruce tend to absorb stains more readily than hardwoods like oak or maple. You need to consider whether the stain you’re using works with the item you’re staining.
The second thing to avoid is skipping steps. If you don’t clean or sand the wood beforehand, you’ll end up with an uneven finish. Rushing the steps can be just as bad as skipping them; for example, you need to make sure the surface is sanded evenly before applying the stain.
You should also make sure you don’t apply too much stain. If you do, you may end up with a thick and gummy surface that you’ll have to fix later.