How To Clean Wood Table in 5 Best Ways that You Should Know

Most people don't know how to clean wood table the right way. In fact, Wood tables can last for many, many years if you take good care of them. But wood tables have a tough job. All day long, people put hot coffee cups on them, spill food, leave sticky fingerprints, and set down wet glasses that leave those annoying white and dark rings.

But don't worry, Lumber Grand is going to share everything we've learned about keeping wood tables looking their best. We will figure out what kind of finish your tables have and then learn how to clean wooden table in 5 ways with those stubborn stains that seem impossible to remove. Read

What is Your Wood Table Finish?

Before you can properly learn “how to clean wood table”, you need to understand what table finish you're working with.

Dining tables are typically made from hardwood species like monkeypod, doussie, oak, maple, cherry, or walnut. These woods are chosen specifically because they're strong enough to handle the daily wear and tear of restaurant use.

Unlike softwoods, these hardwoods resist dents and scratches better, making them ideal for commercial environments. However, the wood itself is only part of the story. Almost all kitchen or coffee tables have a protective finish applied over the wood.

This wood table finish serves several important purposes:

• Protect the wood from moisture
• Prevent stains from soaking in
• Make the surface easier to clean
• Enhance the wood's natural beauty

In general, understanding which type of finish your table has is crucial because different wood table finishes require different cleaning approaches.

Understand what table finish you're working with before cleaning wood table

Photo: Freepik

1. 4 Common Types of Wood Finishes

1. Polyurethane finish: This is one of the most popular finishes for daily tables, and for good reason. Polyurethane creates a durable surface that's highly resistant to water, alcohol, and most common stains.

You might like: How to Refinish a Table Top with Polyurethane

2. Lacquer finish: Lacquer provides a beautiful, high-gloss appearance that really makes wood grain pop. It dries quickly and can be built up in multiple thin coats to create a mirror-like surface. Not to mention, lacquer is more delicate than polyurethane.

3. Oil finish: Oil finishes penetrate into the wood rather than sitting on top like polyurethane or lacquer. Oil finishes are easier to repair. You can often fix small scratches or worn spots by simply applying more oil. However, they require more frequent maintenance and aren't as resistant to water and stains as sealed finishes.

4. Varnish finish: Varnish is similar to polyurethane but typically contains more oil. It provides good durability and heat resistance. That’s why many family and restaurant owners consider varnish as another popular choice for their tables.

Varnish can yellow over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, but it's generally very durable and long-lasting.

2. How to Identify Your Table Top Finish

If you're not sure what finish your tables have, don't worry. There are 4 simple tests you can perform to figure it out. And it's important to know because learning the wrong how to clean wood table guide can damage your tables.

1. Visual Inspection: We start by looking closely at your table top surface:

• Polyurethane and lacquer finishes typically have a smooth, somewhat reflective appearance. The surface might look almost glass-like, especially with lacquer.
• Oil finishes, on the other hand, look more natural and matte. You can usually see the wood's texture more clearly through an oil finish.
• Varnish falls somewhere in between as it has some sheen but looks less plastic-like than polyurethane.

2. Touch Test: You can run your hand gently across the table surface.

• Polyurethane feels hard and smooth, almost like touching plastic.
• Lacquer feels similar but might be slightly smoother.
• Oil finishes feel more like touching wood – you can feel the grain texture, and the surface has a more natural, softer feel.
• If the surface feels slightly tacky or soft, it might be a wax finish.

3. Water drop test: This is the most reliable test, but you should do it in an inconspicuous area first.

• First, we place a small drop of water on the table surface and watch what happens.
• If you see the water beads up and stay on the surface, your table has a sealed finish like polyurethane, lacquer, or varnish.
• If the water slowly soaks into the wood, you have an oil or wax finish.

4. Alcohol test: As the final testing method, we can use this to learn how to clean a wood table. If you're still not sure, you can try a small drop of rubbing alcohol in a hidden area.

• Lacquer will be damaged by alcohol, showing white spots or cloudiness.
• Polyurethane and varnish are more resistant to alcohol, while oil finishes might darken slightly but won't be damaged.

7 Simple Tools for Cleaning Wood Table

Many people make the mistake of using whatever cleaning supplies they have on hand. However, wood requires special care, and you need to learn how to clean wood table properly. Let us share the basic supplies that work best for keeping your wood table looking great. You probably have most of these items at home already.

• Microfiber Cloths: These should be your go-to cleaning tool for wood tables. Microfiber cloths are soft enough that they won't scratch delicate finishes, but they're also highly effective at picking up dust, dirt, and grime.
• Soft Cotton Rags: High-quality cotton rags are another excellent choice for cleaning wood tables. Old t-shirts or cotton towels work well, as long as they're clean and free of any rough seams or decorative elements that might scratch the wood.
• Soft-Bristled Brushes: If your table has decorative carved areas or grooves, you'll want a soft brush to clean those tricky spots. Here's our experience in 5+ years of making epoxy tables: grab an old, clean toothbrush from your bathroom drawer. It's perfect for getting into those small spaces where dust likes to hide.
• Mild Dish Soap: This might surprise you, but the same dish soap you use for washing dishes is perfect for your wood table, too. Soap is gentle but strong enough to clean up spills and sticky spots.
• White Vinegar: White vinegar is a cleaning helper that never lets you down. It's so great at cutting through greasy fingerprints and those cloudy spots that sometimes appear on tables.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda isn’t just for baking cookies. When you mix a little baking soda with water to make a thick paste, it becomes a gentle scrubber that can tackle sticky messes without scratching your table.
• Olive Oil: If your wood table has that natural, matte look (not shiny like it's covered in plastic), it might have what we call an "oil finish." For these tables, a little olive oil can work wonders. It soaks into the wood and brings back that rich, warm color when the table starts looking dull.

Note: Only use olive oil if your table has that natural finish. If your table is shiny and smooth like glass, the olive oil will just sit on top and make a mess.

How to Clean a Wood Table with Common Stains and Damage

Even with the best daily care, coffee and dining wood tables will occasionally suffer stains and minor damage. Many stains that seem permanent — We can actually remove them with the right approach.

1. How to Clean a Wooden Computer Table with Water Rings and White Marks

Water rings are the most common headache with wood computer tables. They appear as white or light-colored rings where glasses or other wet items have been placed on the table. These marks are usually just in the finish, not the wood itself, which means you can often remove them without professional help.

Step 1: Understand Water Rings on Computer Table Top

The first thing to understand about water rings on computer table or even coffee table is what causes them. When moisture gets trapped between a glass and the table surface, it can penetrate into the finish and create a cloudy appearance. The good news is that this cloudiness is often just moisture trapped in the finish, not permanent damage.

How to clean a wooden computer table with water rings and white marks

Photo: C-net

Step 2: Clean Wooden Computer Table Water Rings with Warm Iron (for Freshwater Rings)

For freshwater rings, sometimes the simplest approach works best.

• Try placing a clean, dry cloth over the ring and using a warm (not hot) iron on the cloth for 10-15 seconds.
• The heat helps evaporate the trapped moisture. Let the area cool completely, then check if the ring has disappeared.
• If it's still visible, you can try this technique once more, but don't overdo it — too much heat can damage the finish.

Step 3: Clean Wood Table White Marks with Toothpaste and Baking Soda (For stubborn water rings)

When it comes to stubborn water rings, we should try the toothpaste method.

• Use a small amount of non-gel toothpaste (the mildly abrasive kind) mixed with a tiny bit of baking soda.
• We apply this mixture to the water ring and gently rub in circular motions with a soft cloth.
• After a minute or two of gentle rubbing, you can wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately.

Step 4: Clean Wood Table with Equal Parts of White Vinegar and Olive Oil

Another effective method of how to clean wood table is to combine equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil. This mixture works particularly well on oil finishes.

• We can start this by applying it to the water ring and letting it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Then, we gently buff the area with a soft cloth. The vinegar is really effective in helping dissolve mineral deposits, while the oil conditions the wood.

Read more: How to Fix Water Damaged Wood Table Top for more detailed information

2. How to Clean Wood Table with Heat Marks and White Spots

Heat marks on wood table appear as white or light-colored spots where hot dishes, pans, or coffee cups have been placed directly on the table. They’re the same as water rings. These marks are usually damage to the finish, which means you can remove heat marks from wood table.

Step 1: Use Warm Iron to Clean Wood Table Heat Marks

The iron method works particularly well for heat marks.

• We place a clean, dry cloth over the mark and apply a warm iron for 15-20 seconds. The heat helps the finish expand and release trapped air, often making the mark disappear completely.
• Once again, we highly recommend that you be careful not to use too much heat or leave the iron in one place too long, as this can cause additional damage.

The iron method works particularly well for heat marks.

Photo: Freepik

Step 2: Use Mayonnaise to Clean Heat Marks on Wood Table

What if heat marks on wood table that don't respond to the iron method? We can use the mayonnaise technique instead. Real mayonnaise (not the low-fat kind) contains oils that can help restore the finish.

• You can apply a small amount to the heat mark on wood table and let it sit for several hours or overnight. The oils in the mayonnaise penetrate into the damaged finish and help restore its appearance.
• After that, you wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

3. How to Clean Wood Table with Sticky Residues and Food Buildup

As we all know, wooden dining tables often develop sticky residues from spilled drinks, food, or even cleaning products that weren't properly rinsed away.

These residues really look bad on your lovely table. Not to mention, they also attract dirt and can become increasingly difficult to remove over time. Below is how to remove sticky residue from wood table top step by step.

Step 1: Spray White Vinegar to Remove Sticky Residue From Wood Table

For light sticky residues, your regular soap and water cleaning solution is often sufficient. However, we can't treat the same for stubborn food buildup on wood table, you'll need a stronger approach.

• We cover this part by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
• You spray the mix onto the sticky area and let it sit to break down the residue.
• After 10 - 15 minutes, you clean with a microfiber cloth and dry immediately.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda Paste to Get Rid of Stubborn Sticky Residue on Wood Table

Baking soda paste method is a good combination to save the really stubborn sticky spots.

• To achieve this, you mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste.
• Next, we apply this paste to the sticky area and wait for 10-15 minutes.
• The baking soda will help break down the sticky residue. After a while, we gently scrub with a soft cloth or old toothbrush, working in the direction of the wood grain.
• Lastly, we wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Step 3: How to Remove Gum from Wood Table with Ice

When talking about gum or other very sticky substances, we can sometimes remove them by first hardening them with ice.

• You hold an ice cube against the gum for several minutes until it becomes brittle, then carefully scrape it off with a plastic scraper or credit card.
• We also need to clean the area with your regular cleaning solution afterward.

4. How to Clean Wood Table with Ink Stains and Marker Marks

Ink stains! I remember the first time someone's pen leaked all over one of my favorite tables. I thought it was ruined for sure. But most ink stains can actually come out if you know how to get ink stain off wood table.

Step 1: Use Alcohol to Clean Wood Table with Ink Stains

If it's regular pen ink, here's what works best:

• You grab some rubbing alcohol from your first aid kit. Put a little bit on a cotton ball or cotton swab.
• We dab it gently, like you're dabbing your eyes with a tissue. Start from the outside edge of the stain and work your way in. The alcohol usually dissolves the ink right up.

We can use alcohol to clean wood table with ink stains

Photo: Freepik

Step 2: Use Nail Polish Remover for Permanent Marker on Wood Removal

Sometimes rubbing alcohol isn't strong enough. If that happens, you can try nail polish remover, but make sure it says "non-acetone" on the bottle. The regular kind is too harsh and can damage your table. As a result, you should test it somewhere you can't see first, like under the table edge, just to be safe.

Now, if someone used a permanent marker on wood, try this old trick for how to clean wood table:

• Many hairsprays have alcohol in them. We spray a little on the mark.
• Wait about a minute, then you wipe it off with a damp cloth. It works more often than you'd think.

5. How to Clean Wood Table with Oil and Grease Stains

Grease stains are probably the most common problem in our kitchen. Someone drops a piece of buttery bread, or cooking oil splashes from the kitchen — Yes, it happens all the time. With Lumber Grand, our special trick of how to clean table with oil and grease stains is to absorb as much of the oil before it soaks into the wood.

Step 1: Get Oil Out of Wood Table with Grandma Trick

If you see a fresh grease spill, please don't wipe it. This is because wiping just pushes the grease deeper into the wood. Instead, you should take some paper towels and press them down on the spill to soak it up.

After you've soaked up what you can, here's a neat trick my grandmother taught me:

• Sprinkle baking soda all over the spot. You can also use cornstarch if you have it in the kitchen. These powders are like little sponges. They'll suck up the remaining grease.
• We let it sit there for a few hours, or even overnight if it's a bad spill. Then just vacuum it up or brush it away.

Get the oil out of the wood table 

Photo: Freepik

Step 2: Remove Soaked Oil stain on Wood table

What if the grease has been there for a while and it's already soaked in? Don't panic about how to clean wood table with it.

• We make a simple solution with warm water and a few drops of the dish soap you use for washing dishes. The kind that cuts grease works best.
• Put the mixture on the stain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it clean. You might need to do this a few times, but it usually works.

Here's one more trick of how to clean a wood dining table that surprises people:

• You can actually use an iron to pull grease out of wood. Put a clean paper towel over the grease spot and press a warm iron on it for about 10 seconds. The heat draws the grease up into the paper towel. Change the paper towel and do it again if needed. Just don't use a hot iron - warm is plenty.

How Often Should You Clean Wood Table

In a busy environment, wood tables need attention throughout the day. The key is to clean spills and messes immediately, before they have a chance to damage the finish or soak into the wood.

• Between Dining Cleanings: Every time you leave a table, you have an opportunity to prevent damage and keep the wood looking beautiful. This quick cleaning should take no more than a minute or two. We will cover how to clean a wood table that is sticky below. Don’t forget to take a look below!
• End-of-Day Deep Cleaning: At the end of each service day, your wood tables deserve a more thorough cleaning. This is when you address any buildup that accumulated throughout the day and apply protective treatments to keep the wood in top condition.
• Weekly Maintenance Tasks: Once a week, you should give your wood tables a thorough inspection and more intensive cleaning. This is also a good time to clean areas that don't get daily attention. If you notice any cloudy areas, white spots, or dull patches on the wood, this is the time to address them with the appropriate stain removal techniques outlined later in our how to clean wood dining room table guide.

How to Maintain and Care Wood Table in Long Term

A good wood table is like a good friend. Take care of it, and it'll be with you for decades. I've seen tables that are 50 years old still looking gorgeous because someone knew how to clean wood table and treat it right.

1. Create the Right Environment Around Table Wood

The environment around your wood tables has a huge impact on their longevity and appearance. Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in temperature and humidity. Ideally, the humidity in your restaurant should stay between 30% and 50% year-round.

Indoor humidity ideally between 30 to 50 percent for wood table

Photo: National Asthma Council Australia

Low humidity can cause wood to shrink and crack. Conversely, high humidity can cause swelling, warping, and finish problems. So, if your home doesn't have good humidity control, we suggest you use humidifiers in winter and dehumidifiers in summer.

2. Prevent Problems for Wood Table

You know what they say: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some easy habits that'll save you headaches later for seeking how to clean wood table stains:

• Use coasters every time. This simple step can prevent most water rings, heat marks, and stains.
• Clean up spills right away. The longer a spill sits on wood, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage.
• Give wood table a quick clean every week. Just like you'd notice if your car had a dent, take a moment to see if your table needs attention. Are there any new scratches? Loose spots? You’d better catch these dirty on wood kitchen table early.
• Use tablecloths when you're having a big dinner (avoid plastic or vinyl) and make sure they're clean and dry before putting them on the tables.

3. When to Call Professionals for Cleaning Wood Table

Most of the time, you can take care of your table yourself. But sometimes, you need to call in someone (professional wood furniture restorers) who knows what they're doing:

• If you've got deep scratches on wood table that you can catch your fingernail in, that's usually a job for a professional. They have special tools and know-how to clean wood table properly.
• When the finish is peeling off in big areas or the whole table looks cloudy and dull, no matter what you do, it might be time for refinishing.
• If your coffee table is wobbly or has loose joints, don't try to fix it yourself with wood glue from the hardware store. A furniture repair person can make it solid again and prevent bigger problems down the road.

FAQs

1. What is the Best Thing to Clean a Wood Table With?

The best cleaning materials for wood tables are microfiber cloths and mild dish soap. Microfiber cloths are soft enough that they won't scratch delicate finishes while effectively picking up dust, dirt, and grime. White vinegar mixed with water is also excellent for cutting through grease and removing mineral deposits.

2. How to Clean a Sticky Wood Table?

When it comes to sticky wood table, we start with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. You can spray it onto the sticky area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then clean with a microfiber cloth and dry immediately.

3. How to Clean Wood Table at Home?

You can clean your wood table at home by first identifying your table's finish type (polyurethane, lacquer, oil, or varnish). For daily cleaning, use a microfiber cloth with 1-2 drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Wipe the surface gently and dry immediately.

Clean spills right away before they can damage the finish. For weekly deep cleaning, inspect for any damage and address stains using appropriate removal techniques. Essential supplies include microfiber cloths, mild dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and soft cotton rags.

4. How to Clean Wood Furniture Without Removing the Finish?

To clean wood furniture without damaging the finish, always use microfiber cloths to avoid scratching, use minimal moisture (never soak the wood), and stick to mild cleaners like diluted dish soap.

5. Can you Use Dawn Dish Soap on a Wood table?

Yes, you can safely use Dawn dish soap on wood tables. Regular dish soap is "one of the safest and most effective cleaners for wood tables" because it's designed to cut through grease and food residue without being too harsh.

6. Can you Clean Wood with Vinegar and Dawn?

Yes, you can use both white vinegar and Dawn dish soap to clean wood, but it's best to use them separately rather than mixed together.

White vinegar mixed with equal parts water is particularly effective for cutting through grease and removing mineral deposits, and it works well on most finishes.

You should use Dawn dish soap separately by mixing 1-2 drops with warm water for regular maintenance cleaning. For best results, you can use the vinegar solution first for tough buildup. Then you proceed to final cleaning with soap, always ending with thorough drying.

Wrapping Up

Remember that wood furniture is an investment that can last for decades with proper care. The time and effort you put into learning how to clean wood table will pay off in long-lasting furniture. The key points to remember are: clean gently and consistently, use the right materials for your specific finish type, address problems quickly before they become serious, and create an environment that protects your wood furniture from damage.

With these 5 best methods for how to clean wood table in place, your wood tables will continue to provide warmth, elegance, and functionality for years to come. For more information about DIY useful tips and tricks, keep an eye out for the latest update on Lumber Grand’s Blog. Thank you for reading!