How To Clean Antique Wood Carvings

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Wood furniture and other carved wood have versatility, beauty, and toughness that homeowners have long relished. It needs special care to remain in good condition. Knowing how to clean old carved wood gives your wooden furniture the special care it needs.

Materials in Cleaning

Having the materials in cleaning carved wood is as important as knowing how to clean old it. Here's the list of materials we'll use:

Cotton balls
Dishwashing detergent
Sponge
Bucket
Clean cloth
Mineral spirits, if necessary
Cheesecloth
Wood wax
Denatured alcohol

Make sure to use a cleaning method that is appropriate for that specific wood finish. You may also clean the furniture in stages. Start with a mild cleanser that poses no risk to the finish. If the gentler one fails, graduate to a stronger solution. Doing this means that you can safely clean your carved woods.

Clean Old Carved Wood

Old carved wood, like antique furniture, accumulates grime that can't be removed with regular dusting. When this happens, you definitely need to apply this how-to-clean-old-carved-wood method to clean your antiques:

Use Liquid Dish Soap – Add a drop of dish soap to a water-moistened cotton ball. Wipe the cotton ball on an unnoticeable part of the furniture or carved wood. If the detergent damaged the finish in your test area, then continue without the dish soap. If not, proceed. Mix water and liquid dish soap in a bucket. Use this solution to sponge down the entire piece of wood.
Try Using Mineral Spirits – Try this if you want your furniture a little cleaner. Make sure to follow instructions before use. To be sure, you should test the treatment on an unnoticeable part of the furniture.
Protect from Future Damage – Use wood wax to protect your furniture and other carved wood. Apply it deliberately with a cheesecloth. Make sure to rub it in the direction of the wood grain. Always buff with a clean cloth afterward.

Basic Maintenance of Old Carved Wood

It is hard to know what is best for your carved woods. Aside from knowing how to clean old carved wood, you can extend their longevity by following these simple steps:

Dust with a soft brush regularly.
Avoid wet cleaning your antique, especially if the wood is unfinished.
Use a mild detergent diluted in distilled water if you wet clean.
Gently dab the furniture.
Using distilled water, pat the cleaned areas dry.
Apply a coat of wax for finishing.
Buff after it has hardened.

Preserve Memories

Wooden objects are part of our daily lives. Others may have emotional or symbolic importance as mementos, such as a wooden table that has been in the family for years. Preserving furniture is like preserving memories. Whatever nature or purpose, this how to clean old carved wood will help you preserve your furniture. Discover more wood carving tips here!