How to Clean Wood Veneer Furniture
A beautiful piece of wood veneer furniture can add a touch of sophistication to any room. Over time, you might notice the pristine condition of your furniture starting to subside, but with the proper care, you can restore your wood veneer furnishings to their original state. Read on for Modern Office’s advice on how to clean wood veneer furniture.
General Tips for Cleaning Wood Veneer Furniture
Wood veneer can delaminate, blister, or peel back at the edge if it’s exposed to harsh chemicals, long periods of direct sunlight, and high temperatures. not appropriately cared for. The tips outlined below are general guidelines for cleaning wood veneer furniture, but we recommend deferring to the manufacturer of each piece for specific instructions on how to clean their veneer wood products.
When it comes to day-to-day dusting, you can use a lint-free cloth (such as a microfiber towel) to clean wood veneer furniture. Keep the cloth dry and wipe the veneer in the direction of the wood grain.
If a light dusting isn’t doing the trick, you can wet your cloth with water and a mild soap (such as dish soap) before wiping your furniture clean. Be sure to give the surface a second wipe with a dry lint-free cloth so it doesn’t retain moisture afterwards.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Wood Veneer Furniture
There are certain cleaning products and environmental circumstances that can cause your wood veneer furniture to deteriorate quickly. Here’s what to avoid in order to keep your furniture in tip-top shape.
Cleaning Products With Ammonia
Do not use any products with ammonia peroxide to clean wood veneer. These products include window and glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, oven cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners. An ammonia-free glass or all-purpose cleaner can be safe, but using soap and water is preferable.
Furniture Polishes That Contain Wax or Silicone
When polishing wood veneer furniture, avoid products that contain wax or silicone—they can build up on your furniture over time and cause a cloudy appearance. Polishing wood veneer furniture should only be done with a high-quality furniture polish.
If your wood veneer furniture has a scratch, add a small amount of high-quality furniture polish to a soft cloth and rub the blemish until it’s no longer visible. We also recommend testing the polish on a small, unnoticeable patch of your furniture before you dive right in.
Excessive Heat and Sun Exposure
Avoid placing your wood veneer furniture in any areas with prolonged direct sun exposure, which can cause the color of the wood to fade over time. If your furniture must be in a sunny spot, you can protect it with blinds or curtains or by placing a tablecloth over the exposed surface.
Heat exposure can also ruin your wood veneer furniture. In fact, enough heat can cause the glue that holds the veneer to the surface underneath to loosen. To avoid this, store your furniture in a temperature-controlled place and use placemats and potholders if you’re placing hot plates or pans on the surface of your furniture. We hope these tips will help you feel confident when it comes to cleaning wood veneer furniture.
