Maintaining My Wooden Kitchen Table: How Do I Go About It?

On your wooden kitchen table, you prepare meals, eat, and sometimes the children draw there. How do you properly maintain this piece of furniture? Here are all our tips.

How to clean a wooden table after using it?

Tables, especially kitchen ones, are subjected to harsh daily use. After each use, your wooden furniture, whether waxed, oiled, or varnished, requires appropriate cleaning. We explain how to do it.

How to clean a waxed or oiled wooden table?

Waxed or oiled wooden tables retain the raw look of the wood, ideal for an industrial or Scandinavian style. To clean your table after use, simply use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. If your table is sticky, you can add a little black soap or Marseille soap to the water. Avoid letting water or oil stagnate on the wood to prevent stains. In case of a spill, wipe it up quickly and use a little flour to absorb the excess.

To remove dirt and other marks, apply baking soda over the entire surface and scrub with a damp sponge. If the wood is stained, mix toothpaste with baking soda, apply to the stain, scrub, and then rinse. The result will be impeccable.

How to clean a varnished wooden table?

Varnish effectively protects the wood without altering its natural color. To clean a varnished table, use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges and excess water, because varnish is sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause white stains. Be careful with damp glasses and carafes that can cause these stains.

Never use harsh cleaning products like bleach. Opt for black soap or Marseille soap instead.

How to maintain a wooden table?

Cleaning is not enough to preserve the beauty of the wood. Your kitchen table needs regular maintenance to keep its shine.

How to maintain a solid oak table?

Regular dusting is essential to avoid the accumulation of dust that alters the look of the wood. For deep maintenance, clean your table with white vinegar diluted in water. Rub the surface in circular motions. Test the vinegar on a hidden part of the table first to avoid unpleasant surprises.

To extend the life of the wood, oil or wax your table before its first use, especially if it is raw wood. Repeat this process once a year with liquid beeswax.

If your table has scratches, sand it lightly before applying wax or oil. Avoid over-greasing, as this could darken the wood.

How to maintain a varnished table?

Varnish effectively protects the wood and makes it easier to maintain. If your table is stained by heat or moisture, mix 1/3 flour, 1/3 linseed oil, and 1/3 turpentine. Apply this paste to the stain and rub in circular motions to restore your table's shine.

Can you eat on a wooden table without a tablecloth?

It is perfectly possible to eat on a wooden table without a tablecloth. To avoid stains, use trivets and placemats.

Why use trivets?

Hot dishes are the main cause of white stains on wood. To protect your table, use trivets. Table placemats also protect against marks left by cutlery and glasses, especially on soft woods like pine. They also prevent grease and water stains.

In summary, with trivets and placemats, your table will be protected while remaining visible. You can also use a transparent tablecloth to preserve the beauty of the wood without the risk of staining it.