How to Remove Built Up Wax From Furniture
Over the years, any piece of waxed and polished wooden furniture will pick up dirt and begin to darken and appear dull. When that happens, it is necessary to clean the wood by removing the buildup of wax. A number of commercial preparations are available, or you can make your own. The idea is to soften or dissolve the wax and then wipe it away. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mild dish detergent
- Soft cloths
- Mineral spirits or turpentine
- Mineral oil
- Turpentine
- White vinegar
Instructions
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1
Wash the furniture surface with warm water to which a few drops of mild dish detergent have been added. Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
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Use a soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits or turpentine, and wipe it over a small section of the wood to soften the wax. Do not wipe too much at once or the solvent will evaporate and leave the wax to re-harden before it can be wiped away.
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Turn the cloth over and make another pass with the clean side. Follow with a clean dry cloth to remove the remaining wax.
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4
Repeat both previous steps in another area until you have finished cleaning all the wood.
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Alternatively, use this formula recommended by Earl Proulx in his book, Yankee Home Hints. Mix equal parts mineral oil, turpentine and white vinegar. Apply the solution and remove it as above.
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Apply 2 to 3 new coats of paste furniture wax, according to the manufacturer's instructions, buffing between each application for a protective coating.
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Tips & Warnings
Old cloth diapers make excellent furniture cleaning and polishing rags.
An alternative to using a soft cloth is to clean the waxed area using extra fine (0000) steel wool rubbed in a circular pattern.
Always use solvents such as turpentine and mineral spirits in a well ventilated area.
Wear rubber gloves when using solvents.
