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Wood cleaners help beautify, restore, and protect solid wood furniture and floors so that they’ll last for generations. Although not quite as durable as wood, wooden veneers and laminates are also popular, as they provide the same visual richness and appeal at more affordable prices.
Considering the wide variety of wood, veneers, and laminates, there can be some confusion around finding the right wood cleaner for your needs. To determine which wood cleaners are the best, we began by researching and identifying 10 standout options. Then, we evaluated those products by using them to clean wood floors, kitchen cabinetry, and wood furniture. Read on to learn more about the best wood cleaners on the market and see our top picks.
- BEST OVERALL: TriNova Wood Cleaner & Conditioner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- EASIEST TO USE: Weiman Wood Furniture Wipes
- BEST FOR FURNITURE: Howard Products Orange Oil Wood Polish
- BEST FOR FLOORS: Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Cleaner
- ANTI-ALLERGEN PICK: Pledge Dust & Allergen Multisurface Cleaner
- ECO-FRIENDLY PICK: Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
- BEST RESTORER: Therapy Clean Wood & Cabinet Cleaner Kit
- BEST FOR CABINETS: Parker & Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream
- BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Murphy Original Formula Oil Soap
How We Tested the Best Wood Cleaners
We put our 10 picks to the test in our homes to determine how well they performed at cleaning wood floors, furniture, and cabinetry.
For floor cleaners, we tested each product on a 5-by-5-foot section of wood laminate flooring. We evaluated how easy each product was to prep and apply, how effectively the cleaner removed different types of dirt and grime, and how well it beautified the wood. We also considered the quality of the finish and whether any sticky residue was left behind after we were done.
For furniture cleaners, we cleaned two types of wood furniture: a dining room table and a buffet table. During these tests, we considered ease of application and wood-cleaning ability. We also assessed the quality of the finish left behind, including how well it resisted dust and fingerprints.
For all-purpose cleaners on our list, we tested the products on both wood and non-wood surfaces to see how effectively they performed.
Testing Stats
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Hours spent testing | 5 |
| Tests performed | 2 |
| Price range | $5 to $24 |
Our Top Picks
The variety of wood-cleaning products on the market is vast, and their uses often overlap. Below are some of the top-performing wood cleaners available in their respective categories.
Best Overall
TriNova Wood Cleaner & Conditioner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Finish 4.5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Size: 18 ounces
- Uses: Wood furniture and cabinetry
Pros
- Leaves no oily residue, making it ideal for functional wood surfaces
- Cleans fingerprints and food residue off wood surfaces with ease
- Simple to apply by using the included sprayer and a soft cloth
Cons
- Some may not like the lower-gloss sheen that this cleaner leaves
This TriNova cleaner comes in a spray bottle to clean, condition, wax, and polish all types of wood furniture surfaces. TriNova’s formula contains natural oils and waxes that are designed to help nourish the wood and produce a soft luster. It’s made with gentle ingredients, though it can irritate eyes. Like all chemicals, it should be kept away from children.
We tested TriNova’s cleaner on a refinished farmhouse hardwood dining table and were thrilled with the results. While it takes a little more work to remove sticky food residue, the extra elbow grease is worth it. Of all of the wood cleaners and polishes we tested, this one left the least residue behind, which makes it especially appealing for cleaning functional wood furniture, such as a dining room table or a coffee table.
It also has a pleasing, mild scent that isn’t overpowering. While it doesn’t create the same high-gloss sheen as some wood cleaners, we appreciated its understated luster. If you want an excellent cleaner and conditioner for cleaning your wood furniture, TriNova may be the one.
Get TriNova wood cleaner at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Finish 4/5; Scent 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Squirt or spray bottle
- Size: 2 liters
- Uses: Wood floors
Pros
- Has a pleasant almond aroma that isn’t overpowering
- Cleans well and leaves an attractive, shiny luster behind
- Bottle is made from recycled plastic, and Method does not test on animals
- Squirt/spray-bottle design makes it easy to apply
Cons
- Can leave streaks if you don’t use a microfiber pad to apply it
As one of our favorite hardwood floor cleaners, this pick from Method offers a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to clean a hardwood floor. Intended for use on sealed hardwood floors and laminates, the combination of plant-based chemicals and alcohols is wax-free. Method’s products are cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and come in 100 percent recycled plastic bottles.
We loved how easy this floor cleaner was to apply. All we had to do was squirt or spray the liquid cleaner on the floor and mop. There’s no need to dilute, and it only requires a thin coating, so one bottle really goes a long way.
Often, products that are easy to use yield so-so results. That’s not the case with Method. It did a nice job of cleaning stuck-on dirt off our laminate hardwood floor and left a nice shiny finish with little residue and no stickiness. We also loved the almond scent of this floor cleaner, which we didn’t mind permeating the house following testing. We didn’t experience streaks, as some customers report, though it’s important to note that we used a microfiber pad to apply it.
The Method floor cleaner is also among the most affordable options on the market. Considering how effective it is, we think it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants an easy-to-use, budget-priced floor cleaner and polish.
Get the Method wood cleaner at Amazon, Walmart (25 ounces), or Target (25 ounces).
Easiest to Use
Weiman Wood Furniture Wipes
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3.5/5; Finish 3.5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Wipes
- Size: 30 wipes
- Uses: Wood furniture
Pros
- Wipes are easy to use and provide excellent coverage
- Leaves behind a glossy sheen that beautifies wood furniture
- Affordably priced when compared with other wood cleaners and polishes
Cons
- The wipes leave an oily residue that doesn’t resist fingerprints well
These wipes from Weiman are a straightforward option that offers a number of useful features. As with many of the best wood cleaners, this formula is composed of plant-based ingredients and has no silicone and wax. These versatile cloths also contain sunscreen to reduce the drying and fading caused by ultraviolet rays, and they leave a nontoxic finish when dry.
As a wipe rather than a spray, this furniture cleaner was easier to apply than any of the other furniture cleaners we tested, all of which require a cloth for application. Weiman is not stingy with the amount of product included on the wipes. We were able to cover an entire 6-foot-long dining room table with a single wipe with enough juice left for other furniture.
If you like a high sheen after polishing your wood furniture, you won’t be disappointed with Weiman’s furniture wipes. They left a finish that was as glossy as any product we tested, though they do leave more of a residue than other wood cleaners we tested. We also wish the finish these wipes leave behind could do a better job of resisting fingerprints. That said, the affordable price and ease of use make these wipes a great option for those who might otherwise skip the chore of polishing their furniture altogether.
Get the Weiman wood cleaner at Amazon or Walmart (2-pack).
Best for Furniture
Howard Products Orange Oil Wood Polish
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Finish 3.5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Size: 16 ounces
- Uses: Wood furniture
Pros
- Provides a high-gloss sheen that helps beautify the wood while it cleans
- Cleans away food grease, grime, and fingerprints from wood with ease
- Has a pleasant, though strong, orange scent that serves as an air freshener
Cons
- Leaves behind more oily residue than most wood cleaners
This wood furniture cleaner and polish cleans wood by lifting dirt and dust away from surfaces with just a quick spray and a wipe with a lint-free or microfiber cloth. The oil also penetrates the wood’s surface, replenishing moisture lost through heat and exposure to air conditioning.
Orange oil is a very user-friendly furniture and wood polish. The spray-bottle design and thinner viscosity of this one made it easy to spray and wipe down our test dining room table. The formula was also one of the most effective at cleaning, cutting through sticky food debris and oily fingerprints with ease. Unfortunately, it also leaves a fairly oily residue behind, which may make it a little less desirable for functional wood furniture, such as a dining table.
Along with being a great cleaner, it also functions as a very effective polish, leaving behind the glossiest finish of any wood furniture cleaner/polish we tested. It has a pleasant orange scent, though some people may find it a little too strong.
If you don’t mind the strong citrus aroma and oily residue it leaves behind, this orange oil wood polish is one of the best options for cleaning grease and grime from wood furniture.
Get the Howard wood cleaner at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Best for Floors
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Finish 4/5; Scent 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Size: 32 ounces
- Uses: Wood flooring
Pros
- Very mild and pleasant odor that won’t overwhelm your home
- Spray bottle’s ready-to-use design makes it very easy to apply
- Leaves a bright finish that dries quickly and isn’t overly shiny
Cons
- Expensive compared with other wood floor cleaners
Wood floors receive a lot of wear, especially with kids or pets around, but wood and laminate cleaners like this one from Black Diamond can help make them look good as new. This cleaner leaves a tough, durable polymer finish and works on hardwood, laminate, and less common floor types such as bamboo and cork.
Black Diamond has that great combination of being very easy to use while also cleaning and polishing effectively. It comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle that makes application about as easy as it gets. The wood cleaner spray produces excellent coverage. We were able to quickly clean a large section of floor by spraying and following up with a mop.
The product claims to be streak-free, and it was during testing, though using a microfiber pad was essential to achieving a streak-free finish. It leaves a nice finish that helps to brighten the hardwood floors without being overly shiny. It also has the mildest scent of any cleaner we tested, making it a great choice for anyone who’d rather not have their floor cleaner double as an air freshener.
Although the Black Diamond cleaner is pricier than other floor cleaners, its performance makes it worth the extra expense.
Get the Black Diamond wood cleaner at Amazon.
Anti-Allergen Pick
Pledge Dust & Allergen Multisurface Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Finish 5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Aerosol spray can
- Size: 9.7 ounces
- Uses: Wood, granite, laminate non-floors, marble, plastic, metal surfaces
Pros
- Spray-can design makes it very easy to apply
- Leaves a high-gloss sheen on wood and metal
- Produces a pleasant lemony aroma that acts as an air freshener
Cons
- Doesn’t clean grease and grime quite as well as other wood cleaners
The allergens found in household dust can be a serious problem for allergy-prone individuals, but this Pledge multisurface cleaner can remove dust and pet dander from hard surfaces. The lemon-scented wood-cleaning aerosol works as both a stain remover and polish, leaving a scratch-resistant coating.
Applying this cleaner is easy: Simply pull the trigger to spray the cleaner onto a suitable cloth or directly onto furniture, then wipe it off. The can projects a wide, even spray that makes it easy to cover large surface areas with a thin, even coat of product. Once it’s applied, simply wipe it off with a soft cloth. In our tests, it dried in a few minutes and left behind one of the glossier finishes of any wood cleaner we tried.
While it is effective at removing dust and pollen, it wasn’t as good at removing food grease and grime as some of the other cleaners we tested. Along with being effective at cleaning wood, this cleaner works well on other surfaces, such as metal, helping to remove fingerprints while leaving behind a high sheen.
This formula’s lemony scent is pleasant and helps freshen the air as you clean and dust. While this cleaner isn’t ideal for cleaning away grease and grime, it’s a great option for removing dust and pollen while polishing wood and metal surfaces.
Get the Pledge wood cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Target.
Eco-Friendly Pick
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Finish 3.5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Diluted spray or mop
- Size: 32 ounces
- Uses: All-purpose
Pros
- Can be used on a variety of different surfaces, including wood
- Effectively cuts through grease and dirt
- Concentrated formula means a little goes a long way
Cons
- Since it’s not a polish, it leaves behind a dull finish on wood
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner is a mild, plant-based floor cleaner offered as a concentrate, which also makes it economical. Just dilute the formula as directed and apply it with a mop. Dr. Bronner’s floor cleaner contains no bleaches, synthetic dyes, preservatives, or fragrances. It is not tested on animals, and it is certified vegan.
We tested Dr. Bronner’s on both floors and furniture with great results. It cut through food grease as well or better than any other wood cleaner we tested. We should note, however, that Dr. Bronner’s is just a cleaner, not a polish. As such, it leaves behind a comparatively duller finish than other wood cleaners/polishes. Since it is an all-purpose cleaner, we also tested it on other types of surfaces, including a marbled countertop and bathroom tile, and it was just as effective at cleaning those surfaces as it was on wood.
Using Dr. Bronner’s cleaner is more labor intensive, as you need to dilute it to the right amount according to what you’ll be applying it to. During testing, this meant that we had to make multiple batches for different uses. It was also important to get the mix right so we’d have enough cleaning strength without the product leaving a sticky film.
With its low price and the fact that it’s a concentrated formula, Dr. Bronner’s is one of the most cost-effective options for cleaning wood and a host of other surfaces.
Get Dr. Bronner’s wood cleaner at Amazon.
Best Restorer
Therapy Clean Wood & Cabinet Cleaner Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Finish 3.5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Squeeze bottle
- Size: 16 ounces
- Uses: Wood furniture and cabinets
Pros
- Easily the best-smelling wood cleaner and polish we tested
- Thicker formula is ideal for restoring dull and faded wood finishes
- Formula dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue
Cons
- Leaves behind a duller finish than other combination wood cleaners and polishes
Many wood cleaners use beeswax and citrus oils, which clean well but often leave behind a sticky residue. Therapy Clean wood cleaner is designed not to leave a sticky residue by using a unique formulation containing coconut and mineral oils. It cleans away grease and grime while helping to revitalize dull wood finishes. Afterward, it leaves behind a protective layer.
One of the first things we noticed about this one was its aroma, a pleasing almond scent with a hint of coconut. It was easily the best-smelling wood cleaner we tested.
Since it comes in a squeeze bottle, Wood Therapy’s restorer isn’t quite as easy to apply as spray-bottle wood cleaners. We did love the fact that it includes a microfiber cloth, something the other products we tested did not include.
This formulation is designed to clean and restore, and it does an admirable job of both. It functioned well as a wood table cleaner, removing sticky food residue with ease. It also did a nice job of restoring some of the duller surfaces we tested to a brighter sheen. While it functions as a polish, its finish is noticeably more muted than the high-gloss sheen of other combination cleaners and polishes we tested.
Overall, this is a great option for cleaning and restoring duller wood while leaving a brighter (though not high-gloss) sheen.
Get the Therapy Clean wood cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Cabinets
Parker & Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Finish 5/5; Scent 4.5/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Squeeze bottle
- Size: 12 ounces
- Uses: Wood furniture and cabinets
Pros
- Does an excellent job of removing grease and dirt from cabinets
- Leaves behind a waxy protective layer that’s shiny but not sticky
- Thick cream makes the product easy to apply to vertical surfaces
Cons
- Expensive given the size of the bottle and its coverage
This pick from Parker & Bailey is a cleaner and polish designed specifically for kitchen cabinets. The formula includes a degreaser and cleaner that breaks down the oils and food splatters that end up on kitchen cabinets. It comes in a cream form, is applied using a soft cloth, and works on both wood-stained and painted cabinets.
We tested this cream on white-painted cabinets that had seen their fair share of abuse from dirty fingers, food splatters, and cooking oil. This cleaner took all of that away with just a few swipes, leaving behind a gleaming white finish. Plus, it left behind a waxy layer of protection against future splatters and fingers. Its thick consistency was ideal for applying to vertical surfaces.
We liked the results so much that we found ourselves going well beyond our test cabinet to cover nearly the entire kitchen. It was just as effective at cleaning wood furniture as it was for cabinets.
If we have a gripe with this pick, it’s with its cost, as it’s among the pricier furniture polishes we tested. And since it’s in cream form, you tend to use more of it than one would with a spray. That said, if you want to give your kitchen cabinets a thorough cleaning and polishing, the Parker & Bailey kitchen cabinet cream is worth the extra cost.
Get Parker & Bailey wood cleaner at Amazon, Wayfair (8 ounces), or Walmart (8 ounces).
Best Multipurpose
Murphy Original Formula Oil Soap
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Finish 5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Squeeze bottle
- Size: 32 ounces
- Uses: Wood furniture and cabinets
Pros
- Very affordable compared with other wood cleaners and polishes
- Cleans and polishes floors, furniture, and other non-wood surfaces
- Does a thorough job of cleaning and leaves a shiny finish
Cons
- Formula must be diluted and mixed before use
- Can leave a sticky residue if not properly mixed
Those after an all-purpose wood cleaner to handle furniture, flooring, and a variety of other non-wood surfaces need look no further than this option from Murphy. This 100-plus-year-old formula works on wood and laminate flooring, furniture, and even non-wood surfaces, including no-wax floors, ceramic tile, and painted surfaces.
No, Murphy’s cleaner isn’t as user-friendly as some of the other products out there. Since it comes in a concentrate, we had to dilute it in a separate container before applying it. But if you don’t mind the additional work, it’s worth it. Murphy’s is about one-third the cost of other wood floor cleaners and gives you far more coverage. This formula also works well as a furniture polish.
After diluting the concentrate, we applied it with a mop. It cut through grime with relative ease and left a nice glossy shine, though it did take longer to dry, and we had to be careful not to use too much. At one point, we tried a higher concentration and ended up with sticky floors. The formula had a very strong citronella odor, which we found pleasant, but it may be too intense for some.
If you don’t mind the added care and work required to use it, Murphy’s is an excellent all-around floor and furniture cleaner.
Get the Murphy’s wood cleaner at Amazon (3-pack), Lowe’s, or Target.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Cleaner
Several factors should be considered when choosing the best wood cleaners, including the application method and compatibility with different surfaces. Read on to learn more about these and other characteristics of wood cleaners.
Cleaner vs. Polish
The vast majority of wood cleaners also double as polish. This means that besides cleaning away dirt, dust, pollen, and food grime, they also leave behind a finish with a sheen that serves to both beautify and protect the wood. This sheen can vary from glossy to soft satin to slightly dull, depending on the product. Some multipurpose wood cleaners do not double as polish, though, meaning you’ll need to add a polish afterward if you want a shiny protective finish when you’re done.
Application Method
Wood cleaners can be applied in various ways. Wipes offer the easiest application for cleaning and polishing furniture. Many wood cleaners come in spray bottles, which makes them easy to apply either to furniture or floors. Some products are formulated as concentrates, which requires the user to dilute the product in water prior to application. While concentrates require more work, they often provide more bang for the buck, as a single bottle of concentrate can last much longer than non-concentrate formulations. After applying wood cleaners, they can be distributed with a mop for flooring or with a microfiber cloth for furniture.
Recommended Surfaces
While most wood cleaners are limited to use on finished wood surfaces, some do serve as all-purpose cleaners, making them compatible with other surfaces, such as metal, vinyl, and stone. Going with an all-purpose cleaner is a wise, economical decision, as these products allow users to employ one type of cleaner for multiple surfaces. However, some multipurpose cleaners aren’t as effective at cleaning and beautifying wood as products designed for wood only.
Scent
Since wood cleaners are often used to cover broad areas, such as an entire wood floor or a large dining table, considering the scent is crucial as it will permeate the entire room—or even the entire home. Many wood cleaners are formulated with natural essential oils that provide a pleasant odor. Common scents include citrus, pine, and almond. While most wood cleaners have a pleasant and mild aroma, some can be quite strong.
FAQs
If you have additional questions about wood cleaners, read on for answers to some common queries.
The most likely reason your wood table or wood floor is sticky after cleaning is that you’re using too high a concentration of cleaner. If you’re using a cleaner that requires you to mix it with water prior to applying it, try using a higher ratio of water to cleaner. If you’re using a ready-to-use cleaner, try using a smaller amount of it.
How often you should polish your furniture largely depends on how frequently the furniture is used. For furniture that’s used infrequently, polish it once every 6 months. For furniture that sees regular use, up your cleaning regimen to approximately once every 6 weeks.
To clean a hardwood floor, begin by thoroughly sweeping or vacuuming (without the beater bar!) to remove any loose dirt, pet hair, or debris that could scratch the floor while you mop it. Next, use a wood cleaner that is compatible with the type of hardwood flooring you have. Spray the floor with the cleaner, then use a mop to spread it evenly around the floor. Allow the cleaner to dry completely before opening the floor back up to traffic.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.
Additional research provided by Bob Beacham.