One of the most overlooked—but crucial—steps in any refinishing project is cleaning. Before you even think about sanding or stripping, you’ve got to remove years of grime, grease, wax, and mystery gunk. If you skip this step, you risk clogging your sandpaper, getting blotchy stain results, or worst of all—having your new finish fail.
So what should you use?
The Best Cleaner for Furniture Prep: Krud Kutter Original
Hands down, the best cleaner for prepping wood furniture is Krud Kutter Original Cleaner/Degreaser. It cuts through wax build-up, oils from hands, smoke residue, old polishes, and even some adhesives—without damaging the wood.
How to Use It:
1. Spray it directly onto the surface.
2. Let it sit for a couple minutes.
3. Scrub gently with a Scotch-Brite pad. (I have linked my favorite under the Krud Kutter link.)
4. Wipe off with a damp rag.
5. Let the piece dry thoroughly before sanding or stripping.
It’s safe on most wood finishes and doesn’t leave behind any residue that would interfere with your new stain or paint.
You can grab the exact one I use here:
Krud Kutter Original Cleaner/Degreaser on Amazon
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5 Cleaners You Should Never Use on Furniture Before Refinishing
Here’s what to skip if you want a smooth, professional finish:
1. Vinegar
Too acidic—can weaken wood fibers and alter how your stain takes.
2. Bleach (of any kind)
Strips natural wood color, raises grain, and can react with old finishes unpredictably. (This isn’t the same as lighting wood.)
3. Murphy’s Oil Soap
Leaves behind an oily film that’s hard to rinse off—makes sanding and staining a nightmare.
4. Pledge or Silicone-Based Polishes
These leave behind silicone that repels stain and causes blotches or fisheyes in your finish.
5. Goo Gone or Citrus Solvents
These often leave behind petroleum or oily residues—great for sticky messes, but not for pre-finish prep.
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Bottom Line:
Start every refinishing project with a clean surface. A good degreasing scrub with Krud Kutter gives you a clean slate so your stain, paint, or topcoat can do what it’s supposed to—look flawless and last.
