Updated on Sep. 24, 2024
Wood cleaners help preserve, protect and bring out the beauty of wood floors, furniture, paneling and more. Here are some of the best.
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Wood is a versatile building material that can serve so many purposes—from home construction to furniture building to framing artwork and everything in between. But whether you’ve got a big backyard deck you want to keep looking its best or an upstairs banister that needs some love, keeping your wood clean requires a special touch—and special cleaning products.
That’s why we’ve gone to great lengths to research and test a bevy of wood cleaners to find the best ones you can buy right now. So when spring cleaning comes along (or whenever you want to give your wood surfaces some love), you can turn to this guide to find the right cleaner for the job.
via amazon.com
Why let multiple wood-cleaning products take up a bunch of space in your cupboard when one is all you need?
Howard Products Clean-A-Finish Wood Soap is a true multitasker that gently yet effectively lifts dirt from wood, vinyl, carpet, upholstery, plastics and painted surfaces. Remove years of built-up wax, turning that unremarkable yard sale find into a great-looking addition to your décor.
via amazon.com
Grab Murphy Oil Soft Wipes for all sorts of jobs around the house, from wiping down bookcases, cabinets, doors and sideboards to cleaning wood floors. These time-saving, moisturizing and disposable wet wipes conveniently fit most sweeper-style mops.
via walmart.com
You’re probably already familiar with Old English Furniture Polish because it’s been around for more than a century. Not only does this spray quickly clean and polish wood surfaces, it creates a protective shield to minimize the effects of everyday wear and tear.
This spray comes in lemon or almond scent. It’s also available in a non-aerosol spray and classic liquid formula.
via amazon.com
Do your part for the planet with Therapy Clean Wood & Cabinet Cleaner and Polish, an environmentally-kinder cleaning product that actually works.
Along with cleaning and restoring luster to wood without solvents, this product comes with a microfiber cloth for buffing surfaces to a shiny, fingerprint-resistant finish. It’s safe for humans, pets and plants.
via amazon.com
Fantastic for cleaning natural and engineered wood floors, Black Diamond Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner contains a special additive that the manufacturer says prevents soil from attaching to floors. That means dirt and stains are more easily removed without leaving streaks or dulling residue behind — a common problem with many other cleaners.
The water-based, no-rinse formula is biodegradable. This product is good for natural bamboo and cork floors as well.
via amazon.com
Don’t run the risk of ruining your beautiful hardwood floors with just any cleaner. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner comes highly recommended by top flooring professionals and manufacturers, so you can be confident it’s the right product for the job. Its pH-neutral formula makes it safe for sealed and unsealed wood floors.
via amazon.com
A non-drip foam formula that’s been made in the U.S. since 1915, Guardsman Deep Clean Purifying Wood Cleaner keeps high-use furniture and kitchen cabinets looking fresh and free from dust-attracting buildup.
One happy Amazon reviewer writes: “I used it on headboards that haven’t been fully cleaned in 60 years. It does require elbow grease, but not as much as the other wood cleaners. I used it on a second-hand desk we bought, and layers of dirt and grime came off in one swipe.”
via amazon.com
Howard Products Cutting Board Cleaner safely works on food preparation surfaces like cutting boards, butcher blocks, wood countertops, salad bowls and utensils. It’s made of food-grade enriched lemon and coconut oils that clean wooden kitchen surfaces and neutralize cooking odors.
As one five-star Amazon reviewer put it, “[I] purchased a home with butcher block counters. They were dingy and gross. [I] used the cutting board cleaner several times followed by the conditioner, and the counters have come back to life. Now I feel good about making our food on them.”
via amazon.com
Those with allergies, intolerances or sensitivities will be happy to know the Attitude Nature + Technology Floor Surface Cleaner Tile and Wood contains no synthetic fragrances or harsh chemical smells — only a fresh, citrusy aroma. Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic to prevent skin irritation, it produces a streak-free clean on wood and tile with only mineral- and plant-based ingredients.
via merchant
Get your deck in shipshape for outdoor entertaining with Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner. This fast-acting formula penetrates the wood to remove dirt, mold, mildew and algae on all kinds of things — decks, wood fences, siding, railings, play structures and outdoor furniture.
It’s ready to use right out of the container — no messy mixing required — and it won’t damage wood the way bleach or other cleansers can. This product works on all types of wood, including most composites.
Here are some major factors to keep in mind before you click that buy button on your wood cleaner of choice:
The big thing to pay attention to here is whether you are using a wood cleaner for indoors or outdoors. Indoor cleaners are usually a bit simpler, less harsh, and come in smaller quantities. Outdoor applications—like wood cleaners for decks—tend to come in greater quantities, and they might create fumes or need to dry without anyone touching the surface after their application. Furthermore, outdoor cleaners may offer additional protection to wood that’s exposed to the elements not found in indoor solutions. You can always check the label to see if a wood cleaner is intended for indoor or outdoor usage.
Many wood cleaners come in spray bottles—either aerosol (which, frankly, isn’t great for the environment) or hand-pumped. These are probably the most convenient to use. Others, however, may require being poured onto another surface (like a rag or sponge) in order to apply them. It’s also important to note that convenience does come with downsides. Sometimes, spray cleaners are less effective or long-lasting than ones that require more intentional, deliberate application.
Not all woods are created equal, nor are all cleaners. A wood surface that is stained but maybe isn’t sealed requires a different cleaning solution from something that has a waterproof seal on it. Make sure you’re paying special attention not just to whether it’s a wood cleaner but also to what kinds of woods, finishes, and sealants your cleaner of choice is compatible with.
Yes, you want your cleaner to immediately clean your wooden surfaces. But it may also help to favor products that offer long-term protection from elements, as well as dirt and grime. Usually, products will state on the packaging whether they are designed to last beyond the initial application. This can include things like creating a water-repellent barrier that protects your wood surfaces from moisture between cleanings.
Just because a product cleans well, that doesn’t mean it’s actually good to use in your home. Bleach, for example, excels at killing bacteria, but it can negatively impact living creatures in the vicinity, like your family and pets. The same goes for wood cleaners. Make sure you’re taking into account the harshness of the chemicals, especially if its an indoor cleaner that people and animals will be around frequently.
Toni DeBella is a review expert and DIY specialist who—prior to her successful career writing for outlets like The Telegraph, Fodor’s, Italy Magazine, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, Orvieto or Bust and Family Handyman—ran a faux finishing, mural and children’s furniture business for over a decade. This experience, especially in furniture, exposed her to a lot of woodworking and gave her the expertise to speak to wood cleaners.
First, we researched the category from a wide angle, taking into account the various types of wood cleaners, their uses, their availability, prices, etc. Then, using a combination of our personal and professional experience, as well as user accounts, we focused the collection on a grouping of highly-touted products from reputable brands. Then, to finish it off, we narrowed it down to a range of products that suit an array of budgets while still representing the best options on the market.
Yes, vinegar is a natural disinfectant and is safe to use on wood surfaces, as it does not contain any harsh chemicals. That being said and depending on the size of the job, vinegar might not be strong enough to fully clean a wood surface.
Yes, you can, though it might not be as effective as cleaners designed specifically for wood. Furthermore, you want to be sure not to use too much water when cleaning, as moisture can warp wood and promote bacterial growth.
Think of it like the difference between body wash and lotion. A cleaning solution is designed to strip and clean impurities from the surface, whereas oil is intended to help keep the wood healthy and looking its best.
