Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Wood

Wood brings warmth, beauty, and natural charm to any space, whether it’s a solid oak dining table or elegant timber garden furniture. But wood is also sensitive, and using the wrong cleaning products can easily ruin its finish, cause discoloration, or even lead to long-term damage.

To keep your wood surfaces looking their best, it’s essential to know which cleaning products to avoid. Here’s a quick guide to help you protect your wooden furniture, flooring, and fixtures.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products, but it’s one of the worst things you can use on wood. The chemical makeup of ammonia can strip away protective finishes, dull the surface, and eventually cause the wood itself to deteriorate. Always check product labels carefully, if it contains ammonia, keep it away from your wood surfaces.

Excess Oil

A light application of oil can enhance your wood’s shine, but overusing it can do more harm than good. Too much oil can leave your wooden floors or furniture feeling greasy and slippery, creating a safety hazard and attracting dust and dirt. If you want to nourish your wood safely, choose a specially formulated wood oil or wax designed for that specific purpose.

Glass Cleaners

Glass cleaners are excellent for streak-free windows, but they’re not meant for wood. Ingredients in these products, such as alcohol and ammonia, can strip away paint, varnish, and protective coatings like wax or polish. Using glass cleaner on wood can result in dull spots, fading, and irreversible damage to the finish.

Wet Mops and Steam Cleaners

Water and wood simply don’t mix. Wood is a porous material that absorbs moisture over time, leading to swelling, warping, and cracking. Using a sopping wet mop or steam cleaner on hardwood floors can force water deep into the grain, causing long-term harm.

Instead, use a damp microfibre mop or cloth, just slightly moistened, to gently lift dirt without oversaturating the surface. Always dry the area afterward with a clean, dry cloth.

Protect Your Wood the Right Way

At Treatex, we understand how important it is to care for your wood properly. That’s why we’ve developed a range of cleaning and finishing products specifically designed for wooden surfaces, from our gentle Floor Care Concentrate, which cleans without harsh chemicals, to our wood waxes and oils that enhance and protect the natural beauty of your wood.

Explore our full range of wood-safe cleaning and finishing products today at Treatex.co.uk and give your wood the protection it deserves.