How to Clean Used Furniture

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Cleaning used furniture can be a challenging task. People nowadays prefer to buy second hand furniture from thrift stores in Destin, FL. It is because these furniture items are budget friendly and can undergo a makeover. To clean used furniture keep reading the article below. 

First, remove any pieces that can be taken off:  hardware (handles or knobs), drawers, and/or shelves.

Then wipe, sweep, or vacuum all the loose dust and dirt off the piece.  Be very careful when using a metal scraper or spatula or a wire brush.  It’s very easy to scratch the wood with those.  Plastic scrapers and brushes are much safer.

Now you have some decisions to make.

  • Are there any stickers or sticky residue on the furniture?  You’ll need to take care of those first.
  • How are you going to finish this piece?  Stain, chalk-type paint, latex, oil, etc.  Different types of paint need different prep.
  • Will you be reusing the old hardware?  If so, does it need to be refinished?

Keep reading to see how to handle each of those problems.

Soap and Water Method for Greasy, Gunky, Sticky Dirt

Mix up a bucket of soapy water and scrub away.  Yes, you can use water to clean wood furniture.  Just don’t let the water sit on the surface.

Vinegar Furniture Cleaning Method

Mix white vinegar 1:1 with water to clean the dirty furniture.  It also helps remove smells if your furniture is musty.

Denatured Alcohol Furniture Cleaning Method

Mix denatured alcohol 1:1 with water and scrub the piece.  This method works when prepping furniture for water-based paints.

Mineral Spirits Furniture Cleaning Method

Wipe down your piece with mineral spirits.  This method works well when you’re prepping furniture for oil-based paints or stains.

TSP Furniture Cleaning Method

TSP, or trisodium phosphate, comes in a powder that you need to mix with water before using it.  Brush it on the old furniture, rinse it off, wipe off any standing water, and let it dry completely.  The TSP takes some of the finish off so sanding is also easier.

You can also buy a TSP substitute, like Krud Kutter, that is already mixed up.  It’s much easier to use and rinse from the furniture.

 

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