Clean Antique Oak Furniture

If you re using dusting sprays go for a mild spray or no spray at all on antiques.

Clean antique oak furniture.

Check for wax by running your fingernail along the wood. Wash off grime and scuff marks with a sponge and then dry the wood with a rag. Rub the cloth lightly over the surface of the wood in a circular motion. If cleaning is necessary for example on a dining room table use a soft damp cloth or a clean chamois leather well wrung out.

Wipe the wooden furniture clean with the soap and water. A mixture of dish soap and water is usually all you need for this procedure. Aim to get about 95 clean this way then switch over to using the furniture polish to get the rest of the dirt off. If the mild soapy solution doesn t work you can use a stronger cleaning solution.

Stay away from spots where the finish is chipped off or cracked to avoid wetting the wood and causing it to swell. Clean your furniture with a little white spirit turps to remove the vegetable oil. Dust antique furniture regularly. Do not clean good furniture with water soap or oils.

A weak solution of vinegar diluted in water can be used to clean more thoroughly but only on polished undamaged wood. Let the tea cool to room temperature take a soft cloth wring it out in the tea until it s damp and wash the wood. Quickly dry the area with a soft clean cloth. Wipe down the entire piece of furniture making sure you get into the nooks and crannies.

Mix a little bit of murphy s oil soap into some warm water according to the package directions lightly dampen a soft cloth in the solution then gently begin to wipe away the stuck on dust and dirt. Instead brush the sponge lightly over the. Mix water and dish soap in a bucket and use this solution to sponge down the entire piece of furniture. Follow with a good wax polish.

Whether or not repairs are necessary you should always begin a restoration project by cleaning the piece of furniture. When doing routine dusting in your home take a rag and dust off any debris built up on antique furniture. The tannic acid from the tea is wonderful for maintaining wood. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out to remove excess water.

This is a common mistake. Let it dry preferably over night then buff with a soft cloth. Do not soak the wood. Knowing how to clean old wood furniture that has decades old buildup of polish will help you revitalize an antique.