Furniture Care Guide: How to Clean your Wooden and Metal Furniture
14/01/2026
Keeping your furniture clean and well maintained not only improves how it looks, but it can also extend its lifespan. Whether you are looking to care for wooden furniture, such as our Rowan collection, or metal furniture, like one of our steel Fern lockers, knowing the right cleaning methods makes all the difference. In this furniture care guide, we’ll explain how to clean wooden furniture, how to maintain your metal Bisley pieces and what to avoid so your furniture continues to look their best for years to come.
How to care for wooden furniture
We’ve been there when our wooden furniture has lost its shine over time due to dust, spills, sunlight and everyday use. However, restoring its appearance is often simpler than you might think.
What is the best thing to clean wooden furniture with?
To get you started with wooden furniture care, you should work on removing surface dust first with a microfibre cloth, then clean gently using suitable products. We recommend using a mild solution of warm water with a few drops of gentle dish soap (such as Fairy or similar) and a soft, lint-free cloth. Top tip: try to always wipe in the direction of the wooden grain and avoid soaking or saturating the wooden surface. To finish off, just dry the furniture thoroughly to prevent moisture damage.
How often should you clean wooden furniture?
Regular maintenance is key to knowing how to care for wooden furniture properly. Light dusting once a week keeps your furniture looking great day-to-day, though deeper cleaning can depend on the piece. If the item is used quite often, for instance, a sideboard in your living room, it might require a deep clean every month or so, however, for lightly-used items and those in lower-traffic areas, a deep clean every 3 months is fine.
What should you not clean wood with?
Steer clear of abrasive sponges or scrubbers, excessive water or steam cleaners and silicone based sprays to clean your wooden furniture. These can strip finishes, cause surface swelling and even leave residue that dulls the wooden finish over time.
How do you make wooden furniture look new again?
To get your wooden furniture pieces looking as good as new, start by following the steps above to remove any initial dust and buildup. If the surface has light scratches or dull areas, you can always use a suitable touch-up marker or furniture repair pen specifically designed for suitable wooden finishes, which can help disguise imperfections and restore a clean, refreshed look.
How do you maintain metal furniture and make it look new?
While our Bisley metal furniture is known for its strength and longevity, it still needs proper furniture care. Dust, fingerprints and even moisture can lead to dullness or corrosion if neglected.
How do I maintain and clean Bisley steel finishes without streaks?
If your MultiDrawer or Fern Middle is on display in a high-traffic area, it’s likely to pick up fingerprints and smudges more quickly, so regular light cleaning will help keep it looking pristine and chic. For day-to-day care, use a soft microfibre cloth slightly dampened with warm water. Wipe your metal furniture in smooth, even-pressure circular motions and always remember to finish by drying the surface with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water marks and streaks.
What should you not clean stainless steel with?
Avoid using bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, steel wool or any sort of abrasive powder-based cleaners (like the Pink Stuff) on metal furniture, as these can scratch or corrode the surface. For example, using a scouring pad to remove a stubborn mark might seem effective at first, but it can leave permanent scratches or dull patches on our signature powder-coated stainless steel finish, making it more prone to damage over time.
What are the best ways to maintain and clean Bisley metal filing cabinets?
While our steel finishes, from Home Filers to the BS Filers, are expertly designed to be hard-wearing, streaks can appear if cleaned incorrectly. To care for your steel furniture properly, start by gently hoovering the inside of the filing cabinet to lift away dust rather than spreading it around. Then, using a microfibre cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, wipe the cabinet in one direction for an even, streak-free clean. Once all of this is done, you are all set.
How to keep metal furniture from rusting?
To prevent rust, keep your metal furniture away from high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms, and ensure it’s stored in a dry, well-ventilated space. Our favourite locations are the living room, bedroom, and hallway, where humidity levels are typically lower and conditions are ideal for preserving the finish.
Lightly clean these furniture pieces regularly and always dry them thoroughly after wiping. When wine or staining spills happen (we’ve all been there!), try to deal with them straight away by lightly dabbing to avoid spreading the stain, followed up by making sure the surface is completely dry afterwards. With these simple, consistent care tips, your metal furniture can stay rust-free for years to come.
We hope this furniture care guide has given some useful insight into how to care for both wooden and steel furniture. But, if you do still have a few unanswered questions, you’ll find additional guidance and practical tips in the FAQs below.
Furniture care FAQs
How to clean ingrained dirt from wooden furniture?
Items such as shoe storage can sometimes gather a surprising amount of dirt when used in hallway space. To clean any dirt from wooden furniture, use a soft cloth with a mild cleaner, like a gentle dish soap. For stubborn dirt marks, lightly rub using a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild soap, then dry thoroughly.
How to remove stains from wooden furniture?
To remove stains from wooden furniture, start by identifying the type of stain and always test any method on an inconspicuous area before treating somewhere larger or more obvious. For instance, for light water marks or surface stains you may gently wipe the area with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately afterwards. Stubborn marks on the other hand may require a specialist wood or laminate-safe cleaner, used sparingly and without excess moisture.
Can you use soapy water to clean wooden furniture?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Too much water or soap can damage finishes, cause swelling, or leave residue, particularly on laminate furniture.
Can I clean wooden furniture with washing up liquid?
Yes, you can, provided that the washing up solution is gentle and heavily diluted. Use sparingly and dry the surface immediately.
Can I use vinegar to clean wooden furniture?
No, we don’t recommend it. While vinegar is great for other things, it’s acidic and can damage wooden furniture by dulling the finish, stripping protective coatings, and causing discoloration over time. We wouldn’t want your colourful Bisley pieces to fade or develop uneven patches due to harsh cleaning methods. It’s best to stick to mild, wood-safe cleaners or a lightly damp cloth for regular cleaning.
How to clean wooden furniture with household items?
To clean wooden furniture with the items you’re likely to already have to hand, start by using a microfibre cloth to remove loose dirt or residue. For light marks, use a slightly damp cloth with warm water and if needed, add a tiny amount of mild dish soap to help lift grease or fingerprints, then wipe gently and dry the surface straight away. Avoid abrasive tools, vinegar, or harsh chemicals, as these can cause damage to our finishes.
How long does steel furniture last?
Our Bisley steel furniture is made for life and it can remain in excellent condition for decades when properly cared for.
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