If you are uncertain, take a small item representative of what you're cleaning to a professional furniture restorer and ask for an assessment. If the furniture is too big to move, take photos to the professional.
Things You Will Need
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Dust the furniture with soft rags. If necessary, vacuum crevices, using a brush attachment.
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Mix 1 pint of turpentine, 1 pint of boiled linseed oil, and 6 ounces of white vinegar in a disposable container for use on furniture with oil-based finishes. For lacquer finishes, use solvent-based furniture cleaner instead of the boiled linseed oil mixture. For polyurethane finishes, use mineral spirits.
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Dip a soft rag into the solution and begin wiping the grime off the furniture. Wipe with the grain of the wood. Keep your rag clean, but be careful not to soak the wood, which could raise the grain. Clean only until the grime is gone. Use a toothbrush for corners and crevices. If necessary, use a metal pick for deep crevices, but be careful not to scratch the wood. Wear rubber gloves while cleaning.
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Allow the furniture to dry, then buff with a clean rag.
The Drip Cap
- You can often restore the beauty of your wood furniture with a simple cleaning.
- For polyurethane finishes, use mineral spirits.
- Clean only until the grime is gone.
- If necessary, use a metal pick for deep crevices, but be careful not to scratch the wood.