Things You'll Need:
- measuring cup
- empty spray bottle
- white vinegar
- cheap olive oil
- old t-shirts, old cloth diapers or other soft cloth
- funnel - not absolutely necessary
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Step 1
Purchase the cheapest olive oil available. Remember we aren't cooking here, we are cleaning. I buy Wal-Mart's brand and place it in the refrigerator once it's opened. The store also has cheap plastic spray bottles.
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Step 2
The formula for mixing the vinegar and olive oil, no substitutions for the oil please, is four parts oil/one part vinegar. I use a measuring cup to ensure a correct mixture. Keep in mind the vinegar is the cleaner and the oil is the lubricant of the wood. After you have mixed the two ingredients, pour into your spray bottle. If you have a steady hand the funnel is not necessary.
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Step 3
It is very important the furniture be dusted before you begin. I use a feather duster so I am not dragging the dust over my wood and possibly creating minute scratches.
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Step 4
Shake your spray bottle well and spray your mixture onto a soft cloth - not onto the furniture as it will splatter. Rub the oily cloth over the wood, working in the mixture as you go. Don't forget to shake the bottle as you go. I check the cloth often and if it looks dirty I move to another area of the cloth or get a clean one. Principle is the same as dusting before polishing; you don't want to place small scratches on the wood due to grit left on the surface after you dusted. Once you have finished the cleaning/oiling, take a second clean cloth and polish all surfaces. Now stand back and appreciate the beautiful sheen your furniture has!
