How to Remove the Cloudy Finish on a Dining Room Table
Your dining room table is not only a gathering place for your friends and family, but it also represents a significant investment in furniture. Over time, a cloudy or waxy substance can build up on the surface of your dining room table, creating a less than appealing look.
You will need a few items to remove this buildup and restore your dining room table to its formerly glorious condition.
Things You Will Need
- Clothes iron
- Large square of linen cloth
- Furniture conditioner
- Disposable rag
Tip
If you are looking to make the switch from manufactured furniture polishes to a more natural approach, try mixing 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar with a teaspoon of jojoba oil in a container. Add a couple drops of lemon extract if you wish, and swish the mixture in the container without spilling. Using a rag, dip an end of the rag into the mixture and wipe it on your furniture to clean and polish the wood.
Warning
Wood is organic and is comprised of water in addition to wood fibers. If the moisture level of your dining room table is too high or low, the wood can become permanently warped.
The Amish Tables website recommends you "...store table leaves in or close to the table to maintain consistent environmental conditions." If your table leaves are stored in your attic or basement where moisture levels are different, they may not fit together properly with your table after a length of time in storage.
-
Clear the top of your dining room of any clutter that may be sitting on it.
-
Plug the clothes iron into an electrical outlet near your dining room table. Allow it to heat until warm, but not hot, before moving onto the next step.
-
Lay the large square of linen cloth flat on the table top.
-
Test a small area of the cloth with the clothes iron. Iron the cloth, allowing for several sweeps and passes with the iron. Check underneath the linen cloth. Notice the cloudy buildup condition. If it is lessening and there is no damage to the surface of the wood, continue ironing the linen cloth on top of the wood until you have covered the entire surface of the dining room table.
-
Follow up with a light polish, or other wood furniture conditioner as desired.
The Drip Cap
- Your dining room table is not only a gathering place for your friends and family, but it also represents a significant investment in furniture.
- Over time, a cloudy or waxy substance can build up on the surface of your dining room table, creating a less than appealing look.
- Test a small area of the cloth with the clothes iron.
References
Writer Bio
Jamie L. Jackson has been a writer for over eight years. She has written press releases, brochures and other marketing material for community organizations and has been published in the LCC Newspaper. She has a B.A. in communication from Alma College.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
More Articles
