Opt for a dusting cloth instead of a feather duster. Cloths work better for removing dust, and they’re also less likely to scratch up your furniture. [2] X Research source

If you’re washing something treated with high-gloss or semi-gloss paint, like a kitchen cabinet, it’s okay to scrub a little. However, be gentle with more delicate finishes, such as whitewash, matte paint, or clear varnish. Wipe the wood lightly instead of scrubbing. [4] X Research source If you’re not sure how the finish will hold up to soap and water, put a drop of dish soap on a moist cotton ball. Gently rub the cotton ball on the furniture in an inconspicuous spot to make sure there’s no damage.

You might need to wipe down the item a couple of times to get all the soap off.

Avoid using lots of water when you’re cleaning any type of wood furniture. Always use a cleaning cloth or sponge that’s only lightly damp, not sopping wet.

Mineral spirits can damage some finishes, such as paint. If you’re not sure whether mineral spirits will harm your furniture, test it in an inconspicuous spot first. [8] X Research source This is a good option for unpainted furniture made from naturally white wood, such as holly, or bleached or whitewashed wood coated with a clear finish.

Don’t forget to wipe the area dry when you’re done.

Try not to scrub, since you could spread the stain around or damage the finish on the wood. Always test the alcohol in a hidden spot if you’re not sure how it will affect your furniture.

You can buy baking soda-based toothpastes at most drugstores. However, if you can’t find it, just mix a little baking soda into a white, non-gel toothpaste to create your own. Some people also claim that toothpaste can brighten yellow spots on white furniture.

For really stubborn mold, try scrubbing the area with a solution of 1 tablespoon (26 g) of Borax and 1 cup (240 mL) of water and a soft-bristle brush. Don’t wipe or rinse the solution away—just let it air dry, or use a dehumidifier to speed the drying process. Unfortunately, even diluted vinegar can dull or damage some paints or wood finishes. It might be necessary to repaint or refinish the affected area after treating the mold. For severe mold infestations, you may need to sand down the wood or even replace the damaged sections of your furniture.

Gently buff the stain with a dab of mayonnaise or petroleum jelly. If the stain is stubborn, let the mayo or petroleum jelly sit on the spot for a few hours or even overnight before wiping it away. Use a soft cloth to rub a little white, non-gel toothpaste into the stain, moving with the grain of the wood. Wipe the paste away with a damp cloth when you’re done, then dry the area. For set-in water stains, put a few drops of lemon oil on the area. Then, carefully rub the stain with very fine grade steel wool, moving in the direction of the wood grain. You can also buy commercial water stain removers. Always test these products in an inconspicuous area first.

If you can’t put your furniture in a sunny spot, artificial light will work as well. Place a lamp near the item and leave it on during the day to keep the area well lit. On the other hand, sunlight can cause some types of wood or wood finishes to darken or become yellow. If you’re not sure how light will affect your furniture, consult a wood repair or restoration expert for advice.

TSP can irritate your eyes and skin. Always wear gloves, long sleeves and pants, and safety goggles while cleaning with TSP. You may also wish to wear a respirator mask while working with dry TSP to avoid inhaling any of the powder. [16] X Research source

You can purchase wood repair markers online or from a hardware or home supply store.

If the wood is already raw, clean it thoroughly with a rag dipped in water or mineral spirits before applying the bleach. [19] X Research source Always work in a well-ventilated space and wear protective equipment, such as safety goggles and gloves, when using any type of wood bleach. You may need to neutralize some types of bleach after applying them with a second solution, such as a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water. [20] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022. Rinse the bleached wood thoroughly with warm water when you’re done, and allow it to air dry completely before adding any new paints or finishes. [21] X Research source [22] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.

Use a varnish or paint remover to strip off old paints or finishes before applying a new type of finish, such as whitewash, varnish, or liming wax. Follow the instructions on the package to make sure you are using the product correctly. In some cases, you may be able to simply chip away cracked, stained, or peeling paint with a paint scraper. Sand the area down, then touch it up with a fresh coat of paint that matches the original finish.