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How to clean natural wood furniture

Our wooden furniture is built to last, but if you want to keep it perfect for as long as possible, it should be properly looked after. We'll tell you how to clean wooden furniture for each type of wood: pine, oak, beech and bamboo, as well as outdoor furniture. Plus, you'll receive a free PDF guide with easy care tips for all kinds of natural wood furniture. Keep reading to learn more!

A TRIXIG wood treatment oil, indoor use

How to clean pine furniture

Natural pine improves with age. Our IVAR storage system and wardrobe with doors are good examples, as both are made from solid pine.

To clean them, use a dry cloth, as any moisture may mark or damage the wood, especially if it is untreated. For a stronger, shinier finish, apply our TRIXIG wood treatment oil for indoor use.

Discover our natural pine furniture
A TRIXIG wood treatment oil, indoor use
A TRIXIG wood treatment oil, indoor use
Discover our natural pine furniture

How to clean bamboo furniture

Trick 1: for a more superficial cleaning or for furniture without weaving, dampen a clean cloth in a bowl containing a mix of hot water and a little bit of bleach (very little, three or four drops). Clean it well with the damp cloth and remove the remaining moisture.

Trick 2: mix the juice of three lemons with one litre of water in a spray bottle. Spray the furniture or surface well, scrub the dirtiest areas using a toothbrush and ensure all areas dry properly.

It will be left clean, disinfected and shining. 

A bamboo NORDKISA bedside table

How to clean oak and/or beech furniture 

Oak is a strong, hard and solid wood. Its grain is a prominent feature and darkens over time, becoming golden brown. Beech is less well known but high quality. It's also strong and hard, but its grain is more subtle. When exposed to sunlight, its cream colour darkens to become a pinkish light brown.

To clean them, use a damp cloth and dry immediately with a dry cloth.

For a shinier finish that can better withstand moisture, apply a coat of TRIXIG wood treatment oil for indoor use: drying in 4–6 hours, this highlights its natural beauty while protecting its surface.

A TRIXIG wood treatment oil, indoor use

How to clean outdoor wooden furniture

Although more resistant than wood for indoor use, wood for outdoor use needs to be looked after to preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan.

A coat of TRIXIG wood treatment oil for outdoor use offers ideal protection from sunlight and moisture: enhanced colour, added shine and extra protection. 

Untreated wood must be dried as soon as possible if it gets wet and you may wish to use outdoor furniture covers to avoid year-round exposure to the elements.

See outdoor furniture covers
A wooden outdoor table with three brushes next to a can of TRIXIG outdoor wood stain placed on the table.
An acacia ASKHOLMEN table, outdoor
See outdoor furniture covers

Tips for cleaning and caring for all types of natural wood furniture 

  • Most wooden furniture can simply be cleaned with a dry cloth or duster; nothing else is required. Don't use ammonia. It damages the wood and removes its shine. 
  • If you can, clean off the dust every day. If not, at least once a week. 
  • You should always clean in the direction of the grain, using a soft cloth without rubbing or scratching.
  • Avoid exposing wooden furniture to direct sunlight if you don't want it to lose its colour or shine. 
  • Along with the sun, you should protect it from moisture if it isn't treated. Dry it as soon as possible if any water falls on its surface.

We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why don't you try it too? But please note that any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.