Even some cleaners claiming to be made for wood can be too harsh. Avoid anything using intense sudsing agents such as sulfates. Although safer alternatives might not lather, you do not need a lather in order to thoroughly clean.
When searching for a cleaner, one with mineral spirits will contain a conditioning oil as well as a gentle stripping agent. This can be picked up at most home improvement stores.
Murphy’s Oil Soap is one formula intended for wood, and is typically mild enough to clean without doing damage.
Cheesecloth can also be helpful in cleaning wood, as it is extremely porous, but picks up dust well and does not leave any fabric behind.
Failing to dust the furniture first could result in pressing dust further into the wood grain. Always complete a small dusting before you do any deep cleaning.
This is true of all cleaners except vinegar and water. If using vinegar and water, you must submerge your rag in the mixture and wring it out until damp.
The length of time will depend on the cleaner, but most cleaners require you to leave it on the wood for 10-20 minutes before moving on to the next step. Try to work with the grain of the wood, instead of against it. This will help prevent splinters and applying an uneven coat.
This step is particularly important if you are using an oil-based cleaner, as leftover oil can cause staining.
If you are using a water-based cleaner, do not leave standing water on the wood to dry. Instead, wipe up any remaining water with a clean rag.
There are many commercial waxes and wood butters available on the market. You can make your own wood butter with some vegetable oil (olive and coconut work well) and beeswax.
Maintenance application does not have to be an all-over application. You can search for areas of the chair that have worn down or tarnished and apply your wood butter to those areas alone.
