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How To Clean Old Woodwork

Cleaning Antique Woodwork

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Dear Concord Carpenter,

What is the best cleaning solution to use on antique woodwork (again, I’m talking about 8″ – 10″ hand-hewn beams and 22″ wide pine wainscoting. I believe they were hand waxed at one point- and I want to preserve the
antiquity.  Any products you would recommend?

Thanks and regards,
Dom

Hi Dom,

That woodwork sounds real nice.  I love wainscoting but years of hand prints, oil and dirt can build up and create a grimy film.

There are three basic approaches you can try and I suggest you start at the least caustic measure and work your way up if needed.

How To Clean Old Woodwork

  1. Soap and water
  2. Solution of water and Trisodium Phosphate [TSP]
  3. Wipe down with Naphtha

Start by using a mild soap and water solution and use a soft rag to wash the woodwork.  [dish washing soap works fine]  Start washing with a damp rag, use only enough soapy water to wet the wood.  Change the rag often.  Most times this cleaning method will work fine.

If the grime and dirt does not come off then step up your cleaning to a solution of warm water and Trisodium Phosphate [TSP]   Follow the directions on the box for mixing.  Start cleaning in an inconspicuous area to see how your woodwork responds to the TSP solution.  Clean the woodwork in the same fashion as with soap and water.

As a last resort you can use Naphtha which is  probably the best all-around cleaning solvent.  To clean the woodwork, dampen a clean rag with the Naphtha and rub a small surface at a time. Wet the rag, not the surface. Switch the rags often.

With all of the cleaning methods – I’ve had good success with stubborn areas by using a green scrub pad or 0000 steel wool.   Make sure you apply a very light and gentle pressure.  You need to be SUPER careful here or you will cut into and through the finish and scratch the wood surface.

Use only enough pressure to remove stubborn areas of wax and polish.  Scrub pads and steel wool can dull the finish.  Toothbrush, toothpicks and dental picks can be useful for cleaning nooks and crannies.

 

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