Church pews endure normal wear and tear throughout the week during services and special events.
Car keys and purses cause small scratches. Body oils and certain types of cleaners wear down the finish and exposing the wood to possible damage.
If the wood finish is worn, consider rejuvenation or restoration.
Cleaning Pews
Wood church pews are usually made out of maple or oak and finished with polyurethane or lacquer.
If wood is open grain, do not use detergents or regular soaps that damage, dry out and break down wood grain. This could speed up development of cracks, splinters, and cause a dull, uneven look.
To clean a church pew, use a clean terry cloth and wood cleaner diluted with water. For dry dusting use a microfiber cloth. For isolated incidents like spills or marks use a less diluted amount of wood cleaner.
Cleaning Finished Wood
Finished wood pews should be cleaning with the proper cleaner to avoid damage. Cleaners meant to make unfinished wood shine will be ineffective on finished wood and could potentially wear the finish down. These include cleaners containing silicone, acidic substances or wax. They will make the wood shine but will prematurely wear a church pew.
For finished wood pews, research the manufacturer recommended product and follow their directions.