Wood Table Cleaning

What Are The Best Wood Table Cleaning Tips?

Restaurant furniture can require a significant initial investment, and when you spend so much, it’s natural to want your furniture to last as long as possible. Regular wood table cleaning and proper maintenance is probably the best and easiest way to ensure the longevity of your commercial furniture.

Since wood furniture continues to be the most popular choice for restaurant owners, you must have in-depth knowledge about its maintenance and upkeep. Read on to know how to clean wood restaurant tables for their ultimate performance and appearance:

Cleaning Tips for a Wood Table (Do It Yourself)

Follow these crucial steps to preserve your wood restaurant tables:

1. Dust Removal

  • Although you might not consider dust a serious threat, dust buildup can impact the surface of your wood furniture. 
  • It does not require much effort or special tools to take off dust from the wood surface.
  • For everyday cleaning, a dry lint-free cloth or feather duster does the trick most of the time.
  • Additionally, use a damp microfiber cloth and gently rub it in a circular motion to prevent dust buildup at least once every week. 

2. Table Placement Does Matter

  • While sun kissed pictures might be perfect for Instagram, they might not be ideal for your restaurant furniture.
  • Most materials fade when continuously exposed to sunlight, and a wood surface is no exception. 
  • Ensure your wood restaurant tables are in a climate-controlled atmosphere and keep them away from radiators or hot plates to prevent warping.

3. Control the Humidity

  • Similarly, humidity extremes can reduce the lifespan and appearance of table surfaces. 
  • While excess humidity can cause the wood surface to crack, lower humidity can result in cracks.
  • Ideally, you should use a humidifier or an air conditioner according to the season to maintain humidity levels of 40% – 45%.
hygiene and safety in restaurant

Wood Furniture Cleaning Tools

Cleaning wood furniture seldom requires sophisticated tools. Instead, here are some tips on habits to protect your wood furniture:

  • Wipe down the table with a lint free cloth between customers
  • Use a soft cloth dipped in a mild soap solution to clean grease spots or stubborn stains.
  • Since moisture absorption is the biggest enemy of wood furniture, use a dry cloth or paper napkin immediately if you notice spills.
  • Use coasters under the cups or glasses while serving beverages.
  • Placemats under the tableware help protect the surface.
  • Use trivets under hot plates and sizzlers.
  • Avoid using abrasive chemicals or scrubbers for wood table cleaning as they can damage the finish permanently.

How to Clean a Wood Restaurant Table?

Furniture in any busy restaurant undergoes a lot of wear and tear, and even if you clean the tables regularly, they require deep cleaning once in a while. Here is your step-by-step guide on how to clean wood dining table:

1. Use Organic Cleaners (Supplies Required)

Organic cleaners are free from harsh chemicals and have minimum side effects on the wood surface. Some of the popular organic materials to clean wood restaurant tables are:

  • Olive Oil
  • White Vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • Dish Soap
  • Mineral Spirits

2. Get the Right Accessories & Tools

Make sure to use any of the following accessories or tools while using the above cleansers:

  • Damp Cloth
  • Microfiber
  • Small container or bowl
  • Semi-solid wax
  • Soft Plastic Scraper

3. Time Required

  • 5-10 Minutes

4. Estimated Cost

  • $10-$20
table cleaners

What Is the Best Way to Clean Wood Table?

Now that you have everything you need to clean your wood restaurant tables, here is your stepwise guide for a DIY wood table cleaning regime.

1. Preparing Wood Furniture Cleaning Solution

  • Prepare a mild soap solution by adding one drop of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
  • Alternately, you can use a solution prepared by mixing white vinegar (3 tablespoons) with water (1 cup).

2. Pre-Cleaning Steps

  • Wipe down the dust from the table surface using a soft, dry cloth.
  • Dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution and squeeze hard to take out excess water.
  • Wipe the entire table with a damp cloth.
  • Use a dry cloth to remove any water or moisture from the wood surface.

3. Cleaning Method for Dirt Removal

  • You will need some extra effort if you still notice some accumulated dirt.
  • Never use abrasive sponges, scrubbers, or harsh chemicals to clean the dirt from wood furniture. 
  • Use a soft plastic scraper to remove food items or dirt buildup.
  • Consult professional cleaners if you still have stains, sticky spots, or dirt marks.

4. Water Stain Removal from Wood Furniture

  • Usually, water stains from glasses affect only the surface finish. 
  • Take equal parts of cooking oil and white vinegar, mix, and rub gently along the grain in a circular motion.
  • Buff with a soft cloth to clear the ring spot.

5. Protecting and Restoring Wood Table Finish 

  • After the wood surface is clean and dry, it’s time to apply a protective layer. 
  • Use a semi-solid wax with a soft cloth and buff it into the wood.
  • Wax not only acts as a protective layer on your wood table but also helps restore the luster and warm glow of the surface. 
  • Alternately, you can use a mixture of vinegar (1 tablespoon) and olive oil (3 tablespoons).
how to clean wood table

Summing it up

Wood is a warm, beautiful, and vintage material for restaurant furniture. No wonder it is so popular with restaurant owners. Cleaning and maintaining wood furniture is relatively simple if you know what you are doing. With the right cleaning material, regular cleaning, and minimal effort, you can preserve your wood restaurant table like a pro. 

This short article guides you on how to clean a wood restaurant table to maintain its elegant look and extend its life span. Hopefully, by taking notes from this quick guide, you can have long lasting wood furniture and a better return on your investment.

FAQs

Can I clean my wood table with vinegar?

Yes, vinegar is an organic substance and is effective in cleaning wood tables. It removes dirt without damaging the finish or warping the surface.

How to clean wood table naturally?

Use organic cleaners like vinegar, oil, baking soda, mild dish wash, spirits, alcohol, etc., to clean wood tables naturally.

What is the best thing to clean a wood table with?

A cleaning solution made by mixing olive oil, vinegar, and water is a great way and probably the best thing to clean wood tables.