Childrens Bookcase Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping kids furniture looking great

Kids can be hard on furniture. Spills, stains, and wayward crayon marks are just a few of the obstacles you'll encounter when cleaning childrens bookcases.

Like most kid's furniture, a childrens bookcase is finished with durable paint or stain intended to make cleaning up spills and other children's accidents easier. In most cases, it's wise to follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning childrens bookcases. Certain stains, however, may require special homemade remedies.

If you catch the spill early, wiping the childrens bookcase with a damp cloth should be sufficient. Sticky messes can usually be cleaned with a mild soap and water mixture. For other common kid messes, follow these tips:

Juice stains

Stains from Kool-Aid and other kids juices can be very stubborn and easily ruin the appearance of attractive childrens bookcases. To remove juice stains simply sprinkle a damp rag with baking soda and rub the stain in a circular motion for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary for persistent stains or sprinkle the baking soda directly on the stain if you need extra cleaning power.

Crayon marks

Colorful scribbles on kids wooden bookcases, walls, tables, and floors are common in houses with junior artists. Clean crayon marks from furniture using WD-40, plain white toothpaste (not gel), glass cleaner (even if the marks aren't on glass), or cleaning products specifically designed to remove crayon, pen, or marker spots. Spray the cleaner on the mark and wipe with a soft cloth in a circular motion.

Stickers

To get the tacky residue left by stickers attached to childrens bookcases, windows, mirrors, and other furniture, try soaking the area in WD-40 or baby oil for a few minutes. Scrub the sticker with a soft cloth and the adhesive should come right off.

Dusting and polishing

Once you've got a childrens bookcase that is free of any stains or spills, the best way to keep it looking great is frequent dusting and, if it's made of solid wood, occasional polishing.

Dust often using a clean, soft cloth made of lint-free cotton. Never use a feather duster because it will only move dust around rather than removing it and a broken quill could scratch the surface of the kids storage bookcase.

Dust in oval motions, taking care to follow the grain of the wood. Dry dusting can be very abrasive, especially to older furniture, so it's recommended that you sprinkle a few drops of water onto the cloth. This will help the cloth pick up more dust, leaving your childrens bookcase shiny and clean.

Occasional polishing will also help your child bookcase look like new by removing smudges and dirt particles. Just remember to choose a polish that matches the finish and to carefully wipe away any excess polish when you're finished.

More information on child bookcases