How to Clean Unfinished Wood In 6 Easy Steps

Unfinished wood, whether raw lumber or part of existing furniture, floors, or cutting boards, quickly accumulates dirt and stains that dull its natural beauty.

If left uncleaned, the biggest risk is permanent damage—stains, warping, or mold can render the wood unusable, ruining your project or requiring costly repairs.

This article provides a 6-step process for cleaning all types of unfinished wood, so that you achieve clean, spotless wood ready for staining, sealing, or showcasing its natural charm.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these supplies:

Tools	Use Cases
Soft microfiber cloths	Use it to dampen in water and clean the unfinished wood
Mild dish soap (pH-neutral)	It will soften the grime and other dirt for easy removal
Lukewarm water	For dampening the microfiber cloth
A soft-bristle brush or sponge	To clean the hard grime and stains
Vacuum with a brush attachment (for dust)	Use it to dust off the dirt from the dry wood before starting to clean it
Mineral spirits	Use it sparingly for stubborn grime
Dry towels	Remove the remaining water after cleaning the unfinished wood
Baking soda paste	Useful for applying to tough stains to soften and remove them

The Cleaning Process of Raw Unfinished Wood: Step-by-Step

1. Dust First

Vacuum clean the loose dust and debris from the wooden piece. Attach a soft brush to the vacuum and clean the dust. Or else, you can move the microfiber toward the grain to remove the dust. 

2. Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution

Mix 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 1 bowl of lukewarm water. Or, add 1 part of white vinegar to 3 parts water. Use the cleaning mixture to wash the unfinished wood. Don’t soak the wood in the water directly. 

3. Dampen the Cloth without soaking it 

Dip a microfiber cloth into the newly prepared cleaning solution. After that, wring the microfiber cloth so it is damp, not wet.

A wet microfiber cloth contains too much water, which the wood will soak as moisture. The soaked moisture will damage the grain structure. So, always use a wet cloth. 

4. Wipe Along the Grain

Use the soaked microfiber cloth to clean stains and residue from the unfinished wood. Move it toward the wood grain to avoid scratches. It will maintain the natural look of the wooden grain. For stubborn dirt, use a soft-bristle brush. 

5. Tackle Stains (If Needed)

To remove sticky residue, you can apply baking soda paste. Mix one part baking soda with three parts water to create the paste, and gently rub it over the wood residue. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe gently.

Also, look for grease or wax buildup on the unfinished wood. If there’s any, dampen a cloth with mineral spirits.

Then, test the spirit-dampened cloth on a small unfinished wood area first. If it is good, rub the moistened microfiber cloth over the grease or wax to remove it. 

6. Dry Immediately

Don't let the moisture of the water get inside the wood. It could damage the grain structure. So, quickly absorb the water and moisture with a dry and clean towel.

Also, air-dry the wood completely before using it again. You would need to air dry the cleaned wood for 1 to 2 hours in sunshine to dry it thoroughly. 

Cleaning an Unfinished Wooden Floor

Many people prefer a raw and unfinished wooden floor for its natural grain and beauty. Over time, dirt and grime can stick and sit on it, destroying the natural shine of the wooden floor.

To clean it, follow these steps:

1. Sweep or Vacuum:

   Thoroughly sweep or vacuum the floor with a soft brush attachment. It will remove loose dirt and debris from the floor. It’s necessary to avoid creating mud on the floor while cleaning it. 

   
   

2. Damp Mop Lightly: Add a drop or two of mild dish soap with 1/4th bucket of regular water. Dampen the mop in it so that it feels barely wet, not soaked.

   
   

3. Gentle Wipe: Carefully wipe the floor with the mop toward the wood grain.

   
   

4. Air Dry: Allow the floor to air dry for 10 to 20 minutes before you can walk on it. Avoid excessive water or harsh cleaning products, which can scratch the floor and ruin its look. 

   
   

Tips for the Best Cleaning Results of Wood 

1. Less Water Is Better – Unfinished wood absorbs moisture quickly. The moisture absorption eventually causes warping or mold. So, don’t use a lot of water to cause moisture absorption. Only slightly dampen the cloth.

2. Work in Small Sections – Pick one part of the unfinished wood and work on it. Then, go to the next section of the wood. It will prevent over-wetting. Also, the cleaning will be even faster. 

3. Avoid Harsh Cleaners – Avoid bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners since these chemicals can damage the natural fiber and structure of the wood. 

4. Test First – Always test cleaning solutions such as baking soda paste before using them on the wood. Test them on a hidden spot, check the result, and then use it. 

5. Refresh the Wood- The unfinished wood might look dull after cleaning. Dampen a cloth with linseed oil or beeswax and rub it gently until you see the wood's natural shine. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. The wood will have permanent scratches and damage if cleaned in the opposite direction of the wood grain. 

2. There could be mud-like streaks if the dust hasn’t been wiped out appropriately. 

3. It becomes hard to remove the stains if it stays long. So, delaying it will make it tough to remove the stains. 

   
   

When to Call a Professional

Check the unfinished wood for deep stains, water damage, or an unknown finish. It could be hard for you to remove the tough stains and grime with regular cleaning materials.

In such cases, a professional wood cleaner or carpenter will ensure a better and more reliable job. 

You can call a professional wood restorer to deal with stains or water damage after cleaning the wood. For more delicate or antique pieces, see our guide on 4 safe ways to clean old wood furniture to preserve both beauty and integrity.

Final Words

Cleaning unfinished wood—whether raw lumber for a new project, furniture, a floor, or a cutting board—ensures it stays beautiful and functional. 

With our proven 6-step process using safe, tested tools like microfiber cloths, mild dish soap, and white vinegar, you can remove dirt, stains, and grime without risking damage like warping or mold. 

These methods work for any unfinished wood, used or unused, making your surfaces ready for staining, sealing, or showcasing their natural charm. Start cleaning your wood today to achieve a pristine, durable result that elevates your project and protects your investment.

Want to keep your home wood and surfaces clean without lifting a finger? Discover the top 7 benefits of recurring maid service and how it supports a healthier lifestyle.

FAQ: Cleaning Unfinished Wood

Q: Can I use vinegar on unfinished wood?

A: Yes, applying mild vinegar to clean unfinished wood is safe. Mild vinegar softens the grime through chemical reactions but won't hurt the shine and grain structure of the wood. 

Q: How do you clean an unfinished wood cutting board?

A: Wash the unfinished wood cutting board with hot and soapy water with the help of a sponge. You can sprinkle salt and apply lemon on the cutting board for a deep clean to remove fat and food residue. 

Q: Can I use a steam cleaner?

A: No! Steam can warp unfinished wood, destroying its natural grain. The wood will lose its value if you use a steam cleaner to clean it.