Cleaning wood without finishing is not an easy task, since the protective layer of varnish does not protect it from damage. Because of this, raw wood needs to be cleaned more often than finished wood. Use brushes and a vacuum cleaner or other cleaning method to clean the untreated areas of wood, with strict observance of all precautions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove dust and debris
Step 1. Use a soft brush
The soft brush is great for sweeping out fine debris from cracks and gouges in raw wood. Use a soft brush to gently remove any debris from the crevices, then vacuum the wood.
- For best results, brush over the wood in a smoother motion.
- Using a soft brush can also avoid unnecessary damage to the tree.
- Instead of a brush, you can use a microfiber mop or broom.
Step 2. Wipe the wood with a microfiber cloth
Using a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface of raw wood is a simple and easy way to clean wood. This method is ideal for picking up surface dirt. Simply run the microfiber cloth over the wood to wipe off excess dust and dirt.
Make sure the microfiber cloth is free of dirt. Wash it in the sink with soap and water (let it air dry) or put it in the washing machine and then dry it in the tumble dryer
Step 3. Perform routine cleaning
To prevent raw wood from needing more aggressive cleaning methods, remember to clean it regularly. If you don't clean the wood, you will end up having to resort to harsher cleaning methods to clean it, which can harm it.
In other words, you should wipe or sweep the raw wood more often (at least once a week) and run a microfiber cloth over it several times a month
Method 2 of 3: Remove dirt and stains
Step 1. Use a vacuum cleaner and a stiff brush
A harder brush will remove dirt and debris that has penetrated deep into the wood grain. Use a brush to brush over raw wood and vacuum up any remaining dirt.
- Try not to rub the wood too hard to avoid damaging the wood.
- This method is most effective on unfinished wood that is in good condition.
Step 2. Use rubber glue
This natural rubber adhesive is often used to clean rough wood. It is very sticky and malleable, which allows it to penetrate the fine crevices in the wood surface and collect dirt. Apply glue to the surface of the wood and rub it to penetrate the wood. When the glue has darkened (absorbing a lot of dirt), peel off the top layer to reveal fresh layers for further cleaning.
This method is especially effective in areas that cannot be reached by other cleaning methods
Step 3. Use a cleaning solution
Erasers are chemical compounds used to remove dirt from wood surfaces. Simply apply a small amount of the solution to the surface of the unfinished wood and rub it into the wood fibers with cotton swabs. For best results, rub in the solution in a circular motion. When you're done, wipe off any remaining cleaning solution from the surface of the wood.
- Try not to rub the wood too hard, as this can damage it.
- When the detergent solution turns gray, it will lose its effectiveness and will have to be reapplied.
Step 4. Apply white spirit
White spirit is a solvent often used by artists to clean paint brushes. Soak a towel in the solution and gently wipe the surface of the raw wood. Always wear gloves when handling white spirit and try not to inhale harmful vapors.
Since white spirit is a liquid, be extremely careful and apply sparingly to avoid damaging the wood
Method 3 of 3: How to prevent damage
Step 1. Avoid wet cleaning methods
Water is destructive to rough wood. Water can cause raw wood to swell or deform. For this reason, the final result is likely to be very different from your expectations.
Wet mopping can also further complicate wood finishing if you planned to do so
Step 2. Test the selected cleaning method
To avoid possible damage, test the cleaning method on unfinished wood beforehand. Select a small, inconspicuous area of the tree so that if something happens, the damage can be hidden.
- Choose an area on the back of the wood to test, or simply the least visible spot.
- In addition, by testing different methods on several places, you can choose the most suitable one that can be used on the rest of the surface.
Step 3. Be careful
When cleaning raw wood, work slowly and carefully. The finish and varnish protect the wood from air, water and accidental damage. Without them, raw wood is highly susceptible to scratches and other types of damage.