How to Remove Wax Polish From Wood

Excessive wax can diminish the luster of wooden surfaces.

Wax is usually beneficial when it comes to wooden surfaces, such as furniture and hardwood floors. Wax helps protect the wood from damage and gives it a clean, shiny appearance. Of course, you can always have too much of a good thing, and this pertains to wax as well. As time passes, layers of wax can build up on wood, giving it a dull or cloudy appearance. In order to restore the wood to its former polished glory, you must strip away these old layers of wax.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tablespoons of gum turpentine
• 4 tablespoons of linseed oil
• 1-1/2 to 2-gallon plastic bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Clean, soft cloth
• 0000 steel wool (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Boil four tablespoons of linseed oil in a small pan and then combine it with the two tablespoons of gum turpentine in your plastic bucket. Add hot water to the mixture. The water does not need to be boiling, but it should be hot enough so that you wouldn't want to keep your hand immersed in it for any length of time.

2. Put on your rubber gloves and gently mix the hot water with the turpentine and linseed oil.

3. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution and thoroughly wring it out.

4. Scrub the wood with this cloth in order to remove the wax that has accumulated. Depending on the severity of the wax buildup, you may have to scrub vigorously and repeat several times.

5. Use 0000 steel wool if the cloth alone is not getting the job done. Simply dip the steel wool into the cleaning solution and scrub the wood. Be sure to scrub back and forth along the grain of the wood. Scrubbing across the grain may damage the wood.

6. Buff the wood dry with a clean, soft cloth. If you're confident you've removed all of the wax, you can reapply some lemon polish or wax.

Tips & Warnings

• For stubborn areas of wax buildup, dab a small amount of toothpaste onto the wood and scrub it with a soft cloth. Also, if you don't wish to make your own wax removal solution, there is an assortment of commercial cleaners available at many department and hardware stores. Be sure to purchase a cleaner that is specifically designed for wood.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Cleaning, Repairing and Reconditioning Wood Furniture (PDF)