How to Remove Wax Buildup on Furniture

How to Remove Wax Buildup on Furniture
Written By
C
Contributor
Published: Dec 19, 2008
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Soft, clean cloths
  • Wood furniture cleaner
  1. Using a clean, dry, lint-free cloth, wipe away any surface dust or dirt. Old cloth diapers are perfect dusting and polishing cloths, as are worn out T-shirts.

  2. Buff the wood with a dry cloth using a circular motion and plenty of elbow grease. This isn't complicated, but it is a lot of hard work. Really put your muscle into it. In most cases, this is all you need to do to get rid of excess wax that has built up on your furniture.

  3. If the waxy buildup is stubborn, pour wood furniture cleaner to a clean cloth, either straight from the bottle or diluted with hot water. Rub onto the furniture, following the wood grain. Allow to sit for a few minutes to loosen old wax, and wipe clean. Work in small sections over the entire wood surface until the dull wax buildup is removed.

  4. Finish by applying a thin coat of beeswax or caranuba wax to the newly revived wood, or refinish with furniture paste wax.

The Drip Cap

  • Furniture wax can build up on wood furniture, trapping dirt and creating a dull, dingy finish.
  • In most cases, this is all you need to do to get rid of excess wax that has built up on your furniture.
  • Allow to sit for a few minutes to loosen old wax, and wipe clean.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.