Cleaning Light Surface Dust

• Dusting is essential to maintaining any wooden surface, not just those that are varnished. A weekly dusting of your varnished woodwork will save you time down the road. Take a dry, soft cloth and gently wipe the varnished wood surface to remove light dust that accumulates during the course of a week. A good, cheap cloth can be made by cutting up an old, plain cotton t-shirt into 4-inch by 4-inch pieces.
  
  

Cleaning Soiled Surfaces

• Varnished wood which is soiled will require liquid solution depending on the severity of the damage. Lightly soiled varnished surfaces can be cleaned by using teak oil. For light colored varnished wood, use light teak oil, and for darker wood, dark teak oil will suffice. Apply a small amount (no large than a quarter) of teak oil to a soft cloth, bunch the cloth up into your fist to allow the oil to spread through as much of the cloth as possible. Gently rubbing the varnished surface using small circular motions. For heavily soiled surfaces, dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of mild soap, like Ivory and warm water. Wring out the excess water and wipe a small area at a time using small circular motions. Wipe each section immediately with a soft, dry cloth to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture.
  
  

Polishing and Waxing

• Varnished wood should be waxed or polished each year to keep its luster. Also if the wood has to be cleaned because it is soiled, the varnished surface should be waxed or polished after cleaning. This is because the process of cleaning, even though no harsh chemicals are used, can dull the shine. One coat of wax or polish should be sufficient. Again apply the polish or wax with a soft cloth in small, circular motions to gently buff the varnished wood to a nice sheen.