The online “Year-End Cleaning Marathon” is in full swing as people excitedly share fast and clever hacks to clean intricately carved wooden furniture—one of the toughest household items to deal with before the Lunar New Year. As families prepare to welcome the holiday, cleaning wooden furniture is an essential task, especially when it involves detailed carvings that easily trap dust and dirt. For many, tackling these elaborate designs during such a busy time of year feels nothing short of overwhelming.

Carved wooden chairs and tables often feature countless tiny, complex details that cannot be effectively cleaned with a simple cloth. These grooves and decorative patterns are usually tucked away in hard-to-reach areas, making them magnets for dust buildup over time. Traditional cleaning methods can be incredibly time-consuming, requiring patience and a great deal of effort.

Instead of spending hours scrubbing every nook and cranny with a toothbrush, social media users have been sharing “life-saving” cleaning shortcuts using a variety of handy tools.

Social Media’s Favorite Cleaning Tricks

One of the most viral cleaning hacks is using a water flosser to clean carved wooden furniture. Water flossers, commonly used by people with braces to clean between their teeth, have surprisingly become a popular tool for blasting dirt out of the narrow crevices of wooden chairs and tables.

Thanks to its strong water pressure, a water flosser can dislodge stubborn dust and grime from even the tiniest carved details. This method is especially loved by those who want their furniture spotless without leaving behind even the smallest speck of dirt. Instead of scrubbing manually and tiring out your hands, users simply spray the pressurized water into the carvings and watch the dirt wash away.

Another technique widely recommended by internet users is using a mini pressure washer—the type typically used for cleaning motorbikes or cars. If you have an outdoor space, you can carry the furniture outside and spray it a few times. Layers of dust come off almost instantly, leaving the wood dramatically cleaner.

Many people say this method is highly effective, even for removing dirt from deep grooves. You can also pair it with a suitable cleaning solution for enhanced results. However, it’s important to note that this approach may not be ideal for softer or less durable types of wood, as strong water pressure could affect the furniture’s longevity.

In addition to these modern tools, netizens continue to share more traditional methods such as using cotton swabs, soft brushes, or old toothbrushes to meticulously reach every tight corner. For woven bamboo or rattan furniture, a brush is often considered the best tool because it can easily get between the strands. Some even use soapy water or steam cleaners—arguably the most effective method for detailed wooden surfaces—though not everyone owns such specialized equipment.

Helpful Tips for Cleaning Carved Wooden Furniture

To make the cleaning process easier and more efficient, here are several practical materials and techniques you can prepare:

You will need:

• Soft cloths or rags

• An old toothbrush

• A small dusting brush

• Optional cleaning ingredients: milk, olive oil, cooking oil, beeswax, kerosene, wooden furniture cleaner, tea, diluted vinegar, or even beer

Below are some proven cleaning methods:

1. Cleaning with Milk

Milk can help remove dirt while restoring shine to wooden surfaces. Dip a cloth into milk, wipe a thin layer over the wood, let it dry, then scrub again using a toothbrush dipped in clean water. This technique helps brighten and refresh the wood’s appearance.

2. Cooking Oil and Beeswax

Melt a small amount of beeswax with cooking oil and let the mixture cool. Dip a brush into the mixture and scrub the surface and carved areas. Finally, wipe the wood with a clean cloth to remove excess oil. This treatment nourishes the wood and enhances its natural luster.

3. Strong Tea

Prepare a pot of strong, concentrated tea. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and wipe the wooden furniture firmly two or three times. The tannins in tea help remove grime and restore shine. Finish by wiping with clean water.

4. Olive Oil and Diluted Vinegar

Mix olive oil and diluted vinegar at a 4:1 ratio. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray onto the surface and wipe. This combination helps clean and polish the wood, making it look refreshed and well-maintained.

5. Beer

Spray beer onto the wooden surface and scrub with a cloth or brush. Beer helps dissolve dirt and gives the wood a brighter, cleaner finish.

6. Kerosene

Soak a soft cloth in kerosene and rub firmly over the wood. Then wipe again with turpentine oil to restore shine. Use this method with caution, as kerosene has a strong odor and is highly flammable.

7. Specialized Wood Cleaners

Spray the cleaner onto the wood or apply it with a soft cloth. Wipe thoroughly and finish with a dry cloth. Store-bought cleaners are designed to be safe and effective for most types of wooden furniture.