Safe Wood Care Guide
Safe Wood Care Guide
Caring for wood furniture shouldn’t involve harsh chemicals or guesswork.
From Arlington Woodworks — Veteran-owned • Handmade • Eco-conscious
Left: Damage from common cleaners. Right: Protected wood using natural care.
🚫 Are You Accidentally Damaging Your Wood Furniture?
Many wood lovers don’t realize that common cleaning products can harm their furniture over time. Sprays that “shine” often contain ingredients that:
- Dry out natural wood
- Leave a sticky residue
- Dull the grain and fade the finish
🧴 Ingredients to Avoid in Commercial Wood Cleaners
These ingredients are common — and harmful. They dry out wood and leave residue.
- Silicones: Create short-term shine but dull finish over time
- Petroleum distillates: Dry out wood and damage the grain
- Synthetic fragrances: Can trigger allergies and headaches
- Ammonia or bleach: May strip or discolor finishes
When in doubt, trust your instincts — or make your own cleaner using vinegar, castile soap, and essential oils.
🌿 A Safer Option: Natural Dusting Spray
We recommend Moody Homesteader's Natural Dusting Spray — handmade, plant-based, and gentle on wood.
- No silicones
- No petroleum products
- Safe for your home, family, and furniture
🧽 Safe Cleaning Routine for Wood Furniture
✅ What to Look For in a Safe Cleaner
- Short, simple ingredient list
- Biodegradable components
- No harsh chemicals or synthetic scents
🧼 Daily or Weekly Dusting
- Use a soft microfiber cloth or feather duster
- Dry dusting is safest
🧪 Monthly Deep Clean (DIY)
Mix your own natural cleaner:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- A few drops castile soap
- (Optional) 5–10 drops essential oil (lavender or lemon)
Spray onto cloth (not directly on wood) and wipe with the grain.
✨ Polish Occasionally (1–2x/year)
Natural Polish Recipe:
- 2 parts olive oil
- 1 part lemon juice
Buff with soft cloth to restore natural shine.
🪵 Restore and Protect Your Wood — Naturally
It’s not too late to revive your wood furniture. Try our all-natural, handcrafted Wood Balm No. 524 to:
- Restore deep tones and protect against drying
- Leave a non-greasy, satin finish
- Be safe for food surfaces, pets, and kids

Try it Risk Free — Free Shipping + First-Use Guarantee
Shop Our Organic Wood BalmCurious why more people are switching to natural wood balmss? This quick read explains what makes ours different — and why it works: Read: The Benefits of Using Organic Wood Finish.