Most of us put a lot of time and energy into picking out beautiful furniture for our homes. Even with regular cleaning products, we all know deep down that our furniture needs that extra care and love- which we often don’t give it.Â
When it comes to using cleaning products, it is not always a good idea to use harsh chemical ingredients. Not only do you end up damaging your beautiful furniture over time, but these products are also a health hazard for you and your family.Â
In times like this, you need to find solutions that are quick, easy, and convenient.Â
Did you know that you can make cleaning products with many things you already have in your home? Well, here are some great solutions for you!Â
You can easily make a water-based cleaning solution which you can pretty much use on any kind of furniture at home. Of course, you should be extra cautious with delicate surfaces, like leather or light fabrics. The best thing to do would be to test out the solution in a little inconspicuous spot first and then go on to cleaning the entire thing.Â
All-Purpose Mild Cleaning Solution
- Take a spray bottle and fill it up with water first. Add just a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid (make sure to use a liquid solution and not powder).Â
- Add just a pinch of baking soda into this solution.
- Finally, add a capful of white vinegar and mix the solution well.Â
- You can use this cleaning solution for furniture directly. Spray it and then use a damp cloth to scrub out any marks, stains or stubborn spots.Â
- Finally, wipe down the area with a clean, damp cloth.Â
- If you want, you can vacuum the area to really clean it up.Â
If you want to clean your leather furniture, then you can make another cleaning solution with products you can easily find in your home.Â
Leather Cleaning Solution
The very first thing that you need to do is to vacuum the leather furniture. Use a soft brush attachment, and make sure that you get into all those nooks and crannies, crevices, and spots that you might typically miss.Â
Now, take a bucket of warm water and add about 15 to 30 ml of mild dish soap. Mix it well to create your soapy solution. Take a cloth or a rag and dip it into this warm soapy water solution. Now, the critical part is to wring out the cloth so that it is just damp and not soaking wet. Wipe your furniture down using this cleaning solution. After that, you can do another wipe down using a clean, dry cloth or a towel.Â
Spot CleanerÂ
Every once in a while, you will find that pesky spot that ruins your otherwise beautiful looking furniture. Thankfully, you can make a spot cleaner using products you already have at home!Â
- In case you want to remove something like ink stains, mildew, or a relatively new spot on your furniture, all you need is rubbing alcohol! Apply rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and use it to blot out the stain on your furniture. Of course, be sure to not rub vigorously. Otherwise, you will just end up spreading the stain. Use a blotting motion and add more rubbing alcohol as and when you need it. Finally, use a blow dryer to quickly dry up the area once you finish.
- For cleaning spots and stains from white or even beige furniture, you will need to make another kind of cleaning solution. However, it is straightforward, so don’t worry!Â
Take a bowl and mix in equal parts of cream of tartar, along with lemon juice. Mix this well to create your spot cleaning solution. Directly apply this paste on the stain on your white or beige furniture. Let it sit for around 10 minutes. Finally, wipe away the paste using a clean cloth. You might need to repeat this if any stain persists, but this works excellent as a spot cleaner!Â
Cleaning Wooden Furniture
As a general rule, you should not apply too much water on your wooden furniture. On top of that, if you do use water, make sure that you wipe it away quickly. Don’t allow the water or any moisture to sit on the wood for too long- you will just end up damaging it.Â
The best way to keep your wooden furniture clean is to just use a soft cloth from your home. This can be a microfiber cloth or just an old rag that you were meaning to throw away. It is really the best way to keep your wooden furniture safe and clean without using any harsh products.Â
Of course, every once in a while, even your wooden furniture needs a deep cleaning. For this, you can use mineral spirits.Â
Otherwise, the best solution would be to simply use a soapy mixture (water and soap) with a clean, soft cloth. Make sure to wipe down the furniture with a clean, dry cloth once you are done!Â
If you want to create a solution for cleaning finished wood, then this is something that could work great-
- Take one-quarter cup of turpentine, and mix it with a three-quarter cup of boiled linseed oil. Mix it well to create your cleaning solution.Â
- Pour some of this solution directly on to your wood, and then a little bit on a ball of steel wool. Be sure to rub the mixture along the grain, not against it.Â
- Once you are done, wipe down the furniture with a soft rag to polish it well.Â
- The steel wool cleans your finished wood without causing any damage, while the oil really hydrates and keeps the wood looking glossy. Not just that, it also increases the durability of the wood and prevents cracking!Â
Most of the time, you have all the solutions that you need right in your home. The question is – finding the right solutions and using them carefully on your furniture! You don’t want to end up getting rid of your furniture.
For more cleaning tips visit House Cleaning Advice.