How to Clean Grime Off of Antique Wood

Antique wood requires special care to maintain its appearance over the years. Dirt, dust and grime can settle into the wood, leaving dull, dark stains on the surface. Old wax buildup combined with infrequent cleaning can also ruin the appearance of antique wood. Regular cleaning and conditioning is necessary to maintain antique wood's richness and luster. With a little extra time and effort, you can restore even the dirtiest antique piece to its former beauty.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Mild dish detergent
• 5 or 6 cloths
• Wood cleaner, solvent-based (optional)
• Paste wax or lemon oil

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and add 1 to 2 tbsp. mild dish detergent.

2. Dip a cloth in the bucket and wring it out. Wipe the antique wood thoroughly with the wet cloth, rinsing it in the bucket as needed.

3. Dry the antique wood with a clean cloth. Inspect the antique wood for any remaining grime. If the wood is still dirty, consider cleaning it with a solvent-based wood cleaner.

4. Dampen a cloth with solvent-based wood cleaner according to the package directions. Wipe the antique wood with the cloth until no grime remains.

5. Wipe the antique wood immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not let any water sit on the wood for more than a few seconds.

6. Apply a small amount of paste wax or lemon oil to a dry cloth.

7. Rub the antique wood with the cloth to leave a thin, even layer of oil or wax on the surface.

8. Buff the antique wood with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess wax and restore its shine.

References

• Refinish Wizard: How to Clean Old and Antique Furniture
• Pioneer Thinking: Furniture Care and Cleaning