How to clean oak furniture - Our guide to taking care of your oak bed frame

Oak bed frames are a much-loved choice due to the durability, natural beauty, and timeless appeal. If you’re looking for an airy yet rich finish that’s built to last the long haul, you can’t go wrong with oak.

All that natural goodness requires a commitment to proper care and maintenance, however. Without staying on top of cleaning and upkeep, your oak bed frame could lose its fresh shine, become discoloured, or even encounter some structural issues following years of use.

That’s why it’s imperative you know how to care for and clean oak wood furniture. Here, we’ll walk you through the steps required to keep your oak bed frame looking its best for years to come.

So, you’ve got some traditional oak furniture sitting there neglected, and you’re not sure how to clean it. Worry not, we know a thing or two about oak furniture.

Old oak furniture is exactly that: old. Therefore, it needs to be treated with a slightly higher level of attention and care compared to newer pieces. Over time, the oak material may have lost some of its original strength, so be gentle, go slow, and you won’t cause any unnecessary damage.

Most of the time, the best way to clean old oak furniture is to use a slightly damp cloth. This should be enough to remove surface blemishes and dust. If your furniture has deeper stains and imperfections, you’ll likely need to use some form of cleaning solution. 

if you do need to use cleaners, ensure that it’s sufficiently watered down. The less harsh the mixture, the less chance of the ingredients making their way through the material and disrupting things even further and either ruining the strain, or compromising strength.

How to clean oak bed frames

Step one: Prepare the bed frame for maintenance

Preparation is the first step to properly caring for your oak bed frame. Start by clearing away any bedding or accessories, such as pillows or blankets. If you’re cleaning up a single oak bed frame in a kids room, you may have toys and stuffed animals to contend with, so ensure you can access all areas of the bed frame with ease.

Next, take a soft cloth and gently dust the bed frame to remove any loose dirt or debris. Be sure to get stuck into all the nooks and crannies, paying special attention to the corners of the frame. For larger models like super king oak beds, you may need to ensure the bed is pulled out so you can comfortably get all the way around it.

Finally, for any pesky surface stains, take a damp cloth (without any harsh cleaning products) and gently clean them up. Once you’ve cleared the bed frame of bedding, given it a dusting and wiped away any surface stains, you can get cleaning without worrying about damaging the frame.

Step two: Cleaning the oak bed frame

Once prepared, it’s time for the nitty gritty of cleaning the frame itself. There’s every chance that a damp cloth may not have sufficed for some stubborn stains. For these, use a mild soap solution to spot clean the area. To make the solution, mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent with warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently scrub the affected area, taking care not to scrub too hard or for too long. Steer clear from harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, and wipe away any excess soap solution with a clean, damp cloth.

After cleaning, it’s important to dry the bed frame thoroughly. Over time, excess moisture left on the bed frame can cause damage, such as warping or cracking. Use a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture and leave the bed frame to air dry for a few hours before getting your bedding and accessories back in their rightful place.

Step three: Protect the frame

An often underrated part of the process, protecting the frame is just as important as the cleaning. Here, you’re maintaining the earthy sheen as well as extending its lifespan with proper care.

To do so, apply a protective finish, such as varnish or wax. This helps to shield the wood from moisture, scratches, and other potential damage. Be sure to choose an oak-friendly finish and keep a close eye on the manufacturer’s instructions prior to applying.

To prevent scratches or damage from heavy objects, place felt pads under the legs or base of the bed frame. Particularly useful in the likes of king size oak beds which house the bodyweight of two people, this added protective measure also prevents any potential damage to your flooring.

Step four: Fix minor damages

Last, but not least, you may want to address any minor damages that the frame has incurred over years of use. After all, chips and unsightly blemishes will come to the fore even more so when the frame is squeaky clean.

If you notice any small cracks or knots on the bed frame, you can fill them with wood filler. Choose a filler that matches the shade of oak and apply it with a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry out completely before smoothing away rough spots and scratches with fine-grit sandpaper.

You may also want to re-apply your protective finish to protect the area from further damage. By addressing minor damages, your oak bed frame will remain in great condition and form the centrepiece of your bedroom design for years to come. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to ensuring this longevity.

Long-lasting oak bed frames from GLB

Oak bed frames are a classic, built with the strength to last years and the class to match most bedroom décor. If you want to make the most out of yours, proper care is essential. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure your oak wonder remains pristine for years to come.

Of course, not all oak frames are built equally. At Get Laid Beds, we source only the finest oak and use traditional carpentry techniques in each of our handmade beds. We also offer a full range of sizes, including double oak beds, and even offer an industry-leading 11-year guarantee.

Whether you’re looking for a small double oak bed for a guest room, or a specialist adjustable model, we have a sleep solution for everything need. Browse our wooden beds today to find the best option for you.