How to Clean a Varnished Wooden Table?

You have a table with a varnished finish. This is a very good choice, as the wood is well-protected against stains and moisture. However, like any piece of furniture, you must maintain it with care. Are you wondering how to clean a varnished wooden table? Here are our tips.

What is the purpose of varnish on a wooden table?

Varnish is a finish for wooden furniture, just like oil or wax. An untreated wooden table is vulnerable to daily wear and tear. Without protection, the wood is exposed to scratches, impacts, and stains.

Furthermore, wood is porous, and water penetrates its fibers. Moisture marks the wood and can cause mold. It is therefore recommended to apply a finish to avoid these problems.

Why choose varnish for your wooden table?

• It forms a transparent protective film that shields the table from stains and impacts.
• It waterproofs the wood.
• It is suitable for all wood species.
• It offers a natural look, with a matte, satin, or glossy finish depending on your preferences.
  
  

Routine maintenance of varnished wood

Here are some tips for cleaning your varnished wooden table daily. This finish is easy to maintain. Use natural products and avoid detergents that could alter the varnish. Do not use abrasive sponges or sandpaper on your wooden table.

 

Microfiber cloth

A microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning your wooden table. Lint-free and soft, it allows you to dust the furniture easily. It is also perfect for making varnished wood shine.

 

Black soap or Marseille soap

Black soap or Marseille soap is effective for all types of wood. Soap flakes diluted in lukewarm water form a natural cleaner. Use a dampened sponge to clean the furniture.

 

Wax milk

Carnauba wax milk is a natural product that cleans, polishes, and protects the wood. Apply it with a microfiber cloth and work it into the wood.

 

Removing a stain from varnished wood

Despite the protection, your table may get stained. Do not use harsh products that could damage the varnish. Here are our tips for removing various stains without damaging the finish.

 

An ink stain

To remove an ink stain, lemon can be effective. Rub half a lemon directly on the stain. If it persists, try white vinegar.

 

A grease stain

Use black soap or Marseille soap and rub. If that is not enough, try toothpaste. Apply a slightly damp sponge soaked in toothpaste to the stain and rub in the direction of the wood grain. You can also try clay paste. Soak a cloth and wipe it over the stains, then rinse.

 

A water stain

For water marks, use toothpaste to make them disappear.

 

A coffee or wine stain

If liquid spills, blot it up immediately to prevent it from soaking into the wood. If the damage is done, several options are possible:

• Lemon juice or half a lemon rubbed directly on the stain.
• Lukewarm water and black soap, or failing that, Marseille soap.
• Clay paste with a little water on a soft cloth.

In all cases, rinse with a dampened sponge.

 

A glue residue

Soften the glue residue with hot water. Gently scrape without using an abrasive sponge. With a little patience, the glue should come off.

A sauce stain

Put flour on the stain to absorb the sauce. Let it sit, then clean with lukewarm water and black or Marseille soap. Terre de Sommières is an interesting alternative for removing stains from wood. This product was already used by our ancestors to eliminate many types of stains.

You now have many tips for cleaning your varnished wooden table! Did you know any of them? To learn more about the maintenance of all types of wood, read our article: cleaning wooden furniture: our maintenance tips.

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