How to Clean Wax on Wood Furniture

Cleaning wax buildup on furniture will restore the shine.

Cleaning the wax buildup on wood furniture is an inexpensive way to restore the beautiful wood finish on furniture dulled by improper care. Whether you inherited a priceless heirloom or found a bargain at an estate sale, old furniture can look new again with proper reconditioning. Use these techniques to restore the luster of the wood grain and remove wax buildup.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth or dusting tool
• Gum turpentine
• Boiled linseed oil
• Plastic bucket
• Small, soft paintbrush (optional)

Instructions

1. Dust the wood furniture with a microfiber cloth or dusting tool.

2. Pour 2 tbsps. of gum turpentine and 4 tbsps. boiled linseed oil into a plastic bucket.

3. Add 1 gallon of hot water to the bucket. It needs to be hot enough to wear rubber gloves.

4. Dip a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out well.

5. Wipe the damp cloth over the entire surface of the wood, paying close attention to nooks, crannies and decorative areas. You may need to use the small paintbrush to reach into cracks or indentations with the solution.

6. Dry the wood furniture with a clean, lint-free cloth and buff with the grain of the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• The turpentine will clean any buildup of wax or soil on the wood surface. The linseed oil will refinish the surface by replacing the oil and causing the wood to shine again.

• You can purchase gum turpentine and boiled linseed oil at home supply or hardware stores.

References

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