Clients often ask me how to clean lacquered furniture and what products to use. To address this common concern, I have written a detailed blog post covering the recommended cleaning methods and what you should avoid when cleaning lacquered furniture.
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Tips for Cleaning Lacquered Furniture
It’s best to use microfiber cloths for general dusting to keep your lacquered furniture clean and scratch-free. Ensure the clothes are clean and free of any debris that could damage the finish. If your cloth picks up any hard debris, it’s best to replace it to avoid scratching the surface.
To clean your microfiber cloths, wash them in hot water with regular detergent. This will keep them in good condition for a long time.
For more thorough cleaning, you can use a product like Wizards Mist-N-Shine. This product is used for high-end finishes in private jets and is available on Amazon. Simply mist the product onto your microfiber cloth and wipe down the surface.
If you encounter any sticky substances on your lacquered furniture, you can use a mild detergent like Dawn to clean it. Again, make sure to use your microfiber cloth with the detergent.
Remember that lacquer is a smooth surface and doesn’t require heavy-duty cleaning. With these tips, you can keep your lacquered furniture looking great for years to come.
Avoid These Cleaning Products When Cleaning Lacquered Furniture
When cleaning your lacquered furniture, it’s important to be mindful of the cleaning products you use. Here are some products you should avoid:
- Windex: Any glass cleaner containing ammonia as the cleaning agent, such as Windex, can damage the lacquer over time, causing chipping and cracking. Make sure to check the cleaning products used by your cleaning company to avoid any potential damage.
- Bleach: Cleaning products containing bleach should also be avoided as they can damage the lacquer. Additionally, there is no need to use bleach on lacquer furniture.
- Natural Cleaning Products: Some natural cleaning products contain high concentrations of citric acid, which can destabilize water-based paint. While solvent-based paint is not affected, it’s still recommended to keep these products away from lacquered furniture due to their harshness.
- Alcohol-based Cleaning Products: Any cleaning product containing alcohol as the cleaning agent can instantly destroy the lacquer finish. Avoid using these products on your lacquered furniture.
- Nail Polish Remover: Keep nail polish remover and acetone away from your lacquered furniture as they are very harsh and can lift the finish.
Remember, lacquered furniture doesn’t require much upkeep, so it’s best to keep the use of chemicals to a minimum to preserve the finish.
Sharp or rough objects can cause scratches on lacquer
It is important to use felt pads for decorations that are placed on top of credenzas. Even pottery-type items like lamps can have rough bottoms that can damage the lacquer finish. Hence, felt pads are essential to prevent any scratches.
When cleaning lacquered surfaces, it is essential to lift decorative items instead of dragging them across the furniture. This will prevent any scratches on the surface. It is advisable to pick up the item, clean it underneath, and then put it back in its place.
With minimal care, a lacquered finish can last a lifetime. So, enjoy your beautiful furniture and maintain it properly.