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There is a wide variety in the wood surfaces that are used in homes. The cleaning treatment given to these wooden surfaces should suit the particular type of surface. Wooden surfaces may be painted, polished or tinted. Cheap wooden surfaces are often covered over with commercial board, Sunmica, Formica or other laminated boards, wood with its naturally beautiful grain looks best if polished and protected with a coat of clear varnish. Cheaper woods may be painted in different colours to make them look attractive. Cheap woods are often tinted to look similar to expensive wood with beautiful grains. The grains are painted on cleverly by using carefully blended pigments.
Plain wood is used for chopping boards, pastry boards, rolling boards and pins. This type of wood can be cleaned by using a damp dish cloth. Extra bits of food sticking to the board should be removed by using the back of knife. Wash such surfaces with mild soap, and warm water and scrub along the grain. Rinse well and dry in the open air. These boards are not intended to be soaked for long in water as they tend to warp and bend.
Painted wood is used for cupboards, doors, windows and frames. It is painted to protect and decorate the surface. Painted wood can be brushed to remove the dirt. Occasionally it can be washed with a very mild soap or detergent using a fine cloth or netting. Thorough rinsing to remove all traces of soap is needed or else streaks will be visible on the surface. After it is dry rub with a soft flannel cloth to give it a gloss. It is not necessary to use any polish or furniture cream on such painted wooden surfaces. Periodic repainting helps to preserve the wood better.
Polished wood ordinary dusting followed by rubbing with a flannel cloth will maintain this surface for a long time. When the surface becomes dirty and sticky, it can be cleaned wit h warm, soapy water. Washing with little vinegar in water (two table spoons vinegar in 500-600 ml of water) will ensure removal of all dirt and grease. It must be rinsed quickly and properly. The surface is to be dried soon. If left moist, the furniture will develop water marks. Furniture polish or cream is then used to give it a shine. The polish should be applied sparingly with a soft cloth wrap on a small area. The area can then be polished with a flannel duster using long sweeping movements in the direction of the grain. While polishing small areas are done at a time, each overlapping area should be polished just before it. This ensures an even shine over the entire surface.
Veneer and Laminated surfaces (like sunmica or formica) provide attractive covers on top of cheep wood. These are easy to clean and maintain. Care should be taken to avoid scratching by using abrasives. Wash with mild soap solution. Sponge off all extra moisture. Rub well with a polish cloth. Use wax polishes (like Mansion Polish) or creams occasionally to maintain and protect veneer surfaces.
Laminated surfaces should be protected from very strong heat by using heat resistant cork mats. It is a good practices to use table mats. Veneers are less resistant to heat. Food spills should be wiped up immediately to avoid staining. If the wood has got heat marks, then a little metal polish may be rubbed in and followed up with the usual cleaning procedure. Water rings on a highly polished surfaces can be removed by rubbing in a little methylated spirit or a mild solution of ammonia.
A coloured Lacquer finish is common on wooden furniture and on toys from Gujarat and Rajasthan. ‘Sankhera’ furniture is lacquered and has small metal bells. It is expensive and mush is being exported. Care should be taken to avoid any scratching. Daily routine care of furniture will keep it in good form. It can be given a cleaning treatment similar to that of polished wood.
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