Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Harmful Use Of Diluted Bleach On Dining Tables

The beauty of a dining table is reflected in the condition of its finish. Many commercial wood cleaners will remove dust and grime while not harming your wood, but undiluted bleach is not a safe alternative.


Effects


Commercial bleach is a corrosive agent. It changes the chemistry of the wood and adds a greenish or yellow cast to the finish. Veneers present a specific problem when they come into contact with bleach -- the undiluted bleach seeps through to the glue and corrodes it, causing warping and lifting of the finish.


Warning


Commercial wood products can't fix all finish problems with your dining table. Uneven tones can be a challenge to correct. If you have first tried the products designed for furniture with poor results, diluted, never undiluted, bleach may help. This should only be used as a last resort, as you risk further damage to the wood.


Prevention/Solution


To safely clean your table, always choose a commercial product that is designed for this purpose. Never expose your table to strong sunlight, as that will yellow the varnish, causing an uneven finish. If your finish has been damaged, and you have been unsuccessful in resolving it, find a professional furniture stripper to do the job properly.

Tags: undiluted bleach, dining table, your table