What do you clean a laquer table top with?

1. How lacquer behaves and why cleaning choices matter

Lacquer creates a hard, glossy shell over wood that resists spills and everyday wear, but it is vulnerable to scratching and can be chemically stripped by harsh products; modern lacquers may be less solvent‑resistant than traditional ones, so cleaners and techniques matter for longevity ^{[7] [3] [4]}.

2. The conservative, widely recommended routine: dust then damp‑wipe

Multiple cleaning guides advise beginning with dust removal using a soft brush or lint‑free cloth, then wiping with a soft, fluff‑free microfibre or chamois cloth lightly dampened with warm water (or mild soap diluted in water) and drying immediately—this is presented as safe for both gloss and matt lacquer finishes ^{[3] [1] [2]}.

3. What to avoid: abrasives, bleach, ammonia and strong solvents — but note disagreement

Several sources warn that abrasive sponges, strong household cleaners, bleach, ammonia, nail polish and nail‑polish remover can damage or dissolve lacquer and should be avoided ^{[4] [5] [2]}. However, at least one how‑to guide recommends ammonia to erase water marks on lacquered pieces, a recommendation that conflicts with sources that explicitly advise against ammonia ^{[6] [4]}. Readers should treat that ammonia tip as contested and test any stronger cleaner in an inconspicuous area first ^[7].

4. When commercial cleaners or solvent‑based products are proposed

Some sources recommend solvent‑based furniture cleaners or specially formulated multi‑surface products for tougher grime, used sparingly and wiped away immediately; others stress that such products can strip lacquer if misused, and recommend testing on a hidden spot first ^{[8] [9] [7]}. Relay Spray, for instance, markets a gentle multi‑surface cleaner designed for restaurant tables that claims not to soften lacquer, but that is a manufacturer claim and should be tested against your specific finish ^[9].

5. Stain removal and stronger interventions: testing and restraint

If you suspect you have lacquer (the acetone‑swab test is offered as a diagnostic), experts advise caution: test any chemical in an out‑of‑sight area because lacquer will dissolve with some solvents ^[7]. For persistent residues, suggestions in trade forums include mineral spirits and lacquer thinner as refinishing prep—but those are for refinish work and can remove or alter the factory top coat, so they are not routine cleaning steps ^[10].

6. Maintenance tips to reduce future cleaning risks

Avoid dragging objects across the surface, wipe up spills quickly, use protective runners or placemats for frequently used tabletops, and periodically apply a quality paste wax if recommended for your lacquer type—this can protect the finish and reduce the need for stronger cleaners ^{[4] [5] [8]}.

7. Practical quick protocol you can follow (based on consensus)

Dust with a soft brush or microfibre; wipe with a soft cloth dampened in warm water (or mild soap solution), then dry immediately; for sticky spots, gently scrape with a soft tool and re‑wipe; avoid abrasives and test any solvent or commercial cleaner in a hidden area first ^{[3] [1] [2]}.

Limitations and unresolved disagreements: available sources agree on soft cloths and avoiding abrasives ^{[1] [2]} and are consistent about testing first ^[7], but they conflict on the advisability of ammonia and other stronger cleaners—one how‑to endorses ammonia for water marks ^[6] while other practical guides explicitly warn against ammonia and bleach ^{[4] [5]}. If you want, I can summarize a one‑page, step‑by‑step cleaning checklist tailored to your table’s likely lacquer type and finish, and note which products to test where (not found in current reporting: specific brand‑by‑finish lab results).