How to Remove Polish From Wood

Properly cared for wood furniture lasts for years.

Wood furniture looks beautiful with a high-gloss shine, and the furniture polish used to create that shine also provides a protective coat. But if the polish builds up over time, it can give wood furniture a dull finish or yellowed appearance. Remove old furniture polish from wood furniture as a part of regular furniture care. Use supplies from home to keep your high-quality wood furniture looking its best.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloth (optional)
• Medium cooking pot
• Measuring cups
• 2 tea bags
• Clean towels or rags
• Oil-based soap
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Place a plastic drop cloth on the floor beneath your wood furniture. This will help you keep the mess to a minimum.

2. Boil two cups of water in a small to medium pot. Add two tea bags and allow them to steep in the hot water for five minutes.

3. Allow the tea solution to cool until it is slightly warmer than room temperature.

4. 

   The tannic acid in tea helps break down the chemicals in the polish.

   Dip a clean cloth in the tea solution and wring out. Use the tea-soaked cloth to wipe off the polish on your furniture. Tea contains tannic acid, which will remove the polish and help restore the wood's shine.

5. Fill a bucket with warm water and some oil-based soap. Soak a clean towel in the solution, then wring out the excess liquid.

6. Wash the tea solution off your wood furniture using the soapy solution. Follow by wiping with a cloth dampened in plain water. Dry with a clean towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a lemon oil cleaner to clean your wood furniture and polish only occasionally.

• Silicone wax wash, found in automotive departments, also removes furniture polish but can be very messy and requires ventilation.

References

• Cleaners Register: Dusting and Polishing

Resources

• Woodcarving Illustrated: Removing Paste Wax