Our Favorite DIY Easy and Safe Wood Furniture Cleanser
Just when you think your munchkin has outgrown putting things in his mouth.... you find him... well literally with his mouth on the table- followed by a bunch of giggles 🤔 yet another reason ALWAYS to use non-toxic cleaners at home!
Lots of people ask me what I use to clean furniture - specifically wooden furniture. The reality is that even if no one is biting or licking your furniture at home, most conventional cleaners leave behind a list of toxic chemicals in your home's air and surfaces that your family will be exposed to every single day.
Usually, at home, I use a barely damp microfiber cloths which serves to pick up the dust effectively without damaging the wood but sometimes wood needs a boost - a polish and a cleaning.
Recently I experimented with a couple of DIY recipes for wood polishes and finally found one which is easy to mix together (it takes less than 3 minutes) and uses ingredients I always have at home. It cleanses, it polishes, it smells pleasant (naturally!) and it does not create product buildup.
What does it not do?
Unlike some well known wooden polishing sprays, it does not contain endocrine disrupting fragrance nor other common chemicals that contaminate our environment. Even companies who sell a 'natural' image have pretty toxic wood polishes; case in point Method Wood For Good Polish, Almond. According the the Environmental Working Group it contains some pretty nasty chemicals that you do not want to expose your family or our planet too (see picture). Unfortunately, Method is not the only company that includes some bad chemicals in their wood polish SO making your own polish is definitely worth trying! Trust me its like a simple salad dressing!
THE RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (about half a small lemon)
- Measuring cup and funnel (funnel is optional - depends on the size of the opening of your container)
- Small plastic spray container (glass containers are a pretty and great alternative if you want to reduce your plastic usage. We have both at home).
I like: href and today I used this set which I was recently gifted by my sister! Their microfiber cloths that was inclosed worked great on the wood and the built in lemon squeezer and stickers were nice add ons.
Directions:
Gather the ingredients along with a measuring cup and funnel. Mix well before each use!
The only thing I will mention is to take it slow. Spray a little bit first, wipe it off with your microfiber cloths, and then determine if you need more. In my experience a little goes a long way.
Do you have any wood cleaning products you like to use at home? Any recipes? Let me know in the comments below!