How to Clean Woodwork with Vinegar and Oil

Instead of buying expensive wood cleaners, you can use plain vinegar and oil to clean woodwork. Using oil and vinegar is simple, environmentally friendly, and can save you a lot of money! How to Clean Woodwork with vinegar and oil:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• vinegar
• oil (Olive Oil works well)
• a cleaning bucket
• water
• a wet rag and a dry rag

1. Fill a small bucket or a bowl with water. Add about one cup vinegar to about 8 cups water. This measurement does not have to be exact, as long as it is somewhat close. You can use any kind of vinegar for this. I prefer plain white distilled vinegar.

2. Dip your wet rag into the vinegar and water solution and wring it out very well before applying to the woodwork. You'll want your rag to be damp, but not soaking wet. I prefer to use torn up cotton tee-shirts for my rags. They are soft and quite effective at cleaning woodwork.

3. Apply the damp rag to the woodwork. Gently rub the woodwork with your rag. Do not press too hard, especially for old woodwork. Wipe the surface in a circular pattern, starting at the top and working your way down.

4. Unless the woodwork is very dirty, you do not have to rinse your rag in the sink before dipping it back into the bucket with the water and vinegar solution. If the woodwork is not too dirty, you can just dip your rag back into the bucket to rinse it. Be sure to wring it out very well.

5. When you are done wiping the woodwork with your wet rag, you should be sure the woodwork is dry. Touch the woodwork where you started. It should be dry or mostly dry. If the woodwork is not completely dry, wait for it to air dry. There is no need to wipe it with a towel, as this may cause the woodwork to splinter.

6. Use your dry rag for applying oil to the dry woodwork. I prefer to use virgin olive oil. I would not recommend vegetable oil or canola oil for this. Pour about half a teaspoon or less into the center of your dry rag. Be sure your dry rag is something very soft. Again, I prefer torn up cotton tee shirts. Rub the oil into your rag slightly. You don't need the oil to completely soak into your rag, but you don't want the oil sitting on the surface of the rag either.

7. Proceed to rub the woodwork gently in a circular motion, as above, to apply the oil to the woodwork. The oil will make the woodwork shine and should not leave a residue. If the oil leaves a residue, usually that means too much was applied. If this happens, go over the woodwork again with a clean, dry rag to soak up the excess oil.

8. Stand back and admire your beautiful, freshly-cleaned woodwork. Pat yourself on the back for saving yourself so much money by cleaning your woodwork with vinegar and oil!

[hnatalieann]

on 10/5/2009 Wow this sounds easy and effective! Thanks for sharing 5*'s and recommended!

[uniquechoices]

on 7/24/2009 I never new you could clean woodwork with vinegar and oil. Good information given thanks.