Damage from cleaning using water and disinfectants may result. For very valuable items and antiques, consult a furniture conservator or museum curator. Generally turpentine and paint thinner are relatively safe solvents. However, work only in good ventilation where there are no electric sparks or open flames, preferably outdoors. Test the solvent on the object first as the solvent may soften or remove the wood finish.
Solvents can be dangerous to people.
Solvent vapors can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract and cause headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea and fatigue. You may want to select a commercial furniture cleaner and restorer product found in the hardware, grocery stores or lumberyards. Cleaning Flood-Damage Wood Furniture Mineral Spirits Petroleum spirits, a substitute for turpentine that is flammable and toxic. Sometimes labeled paint thinner. Before undertaking the cleaning task, contact your insurance company to determine the extent of insurance coverage, if any, and what records, photos or examples you may need to keep for proof.