Cleaning and Polishing Oiled Wood Furniture
Furniture finished with linseed or tung oil and a thin layer of wax needs only dusting and a reapplication of paste wax every two to four years -- or once a year for parts, like tabletops, that get heavy use. Properly applied (see How to Wax Wood Furniture, paste wax provides a long-lasting protective finish that repels water and dust. For heavy cleaning, use odorless mineral spirits (which acts as a mild solvent, so you’ll need to rewax) or Old English Lemon Oil.

Paste Wax
Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish ($30, Gracious Home, 800-338-7809) is a quality clear wax.

Cleanser
Old English Lemon Oil ($7 at grocery stores) cleans and removes stains and wax buildup.


Cleaning and Polishing Varnished Wood Furniture
Don Williams, a senior furniture conservator at the Smithsonian Institution, recommends paste wax, applied once a year at most, for varnish and shellac finishes. Use clear wax on light finishes. For darker finishes, amber-colored wax helps fill in discolorations and even out sheen. For a shinier finish (and easier application), some restorers recommend silicone-free Guardsman polish. If cleaning is needed, use mineral spirits or a mild soap-and-water solution (see Cleaning Painted Furniture).

Cream Polish
Guardsman Furniture Polish (about $7 at hardware stores) can be used on light or dark finishes.

Paste Wax
Butcher’s Boston Polish ($6.50 at hardware stores) is an amber formula that works well on dark furniture.


Cleaning and Polishing Painted Furniture
Dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is all that’s usually necessary. When heavier cleaning is in order, wipe with a cotton cloth lightly dampened with a solution of one teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid (one without hand moisturizers) mixed with one gallon of water. Applying a clear paste wax no more than once a year will slow dust and dirt buildup, protect the wood from water damage, and make the color more vibrant (if the paint is chipped, don’t wax the wood).

Dish Soap
A gentle formula like Ivory ($3 at grocery stores) is simplest and best for cleaning painted wood.

Paste Wax
Clear MinWax Paste Finishing Wax ($7.50 at hardware stores) provides a protective layer.


Repairing Scratched Wood Furniture
Confine your treatment to the affected area. “The last thing you want is to turn a little scratch into a giant blotch,” says Bob Wilson of Wood magazine.

- For a superficial scratch with no change in color, a light coat of wax will even out the surface.

- For a light scratch with a change in color, apply a paste shoe polish that matches the finish. Use a cotton swab or a furniture marker (www.touchupdepot.com) sells them in a variety of colors).

- For a deeper scratch or gouge, overfill it with a wax stick (available from DAP and Briwax or at (www.touchupdepot.com) that matches the finish. (You may need to blend two or more colors to get the right shade.) In a pinch, you can use crayons. Scrape off excess wax with the edge of a credit card and remove any residue with a clean cotton cloth.

*Before attempting these fixes, clean the area with a mild soap-and-water solution. After repairing, wipe the wood dry and apply wax. Note: Valuable pieces should be taken to a professional restorer.


Removing Water Rings from Wood Furniture
White rings are easy to deal with; for black ones, consult a restorer.

- On an oiled finish, you can often remove white rings by rubbing paste wax over the surface with fine steel wool (grade 0000), suggests Rodney Keyser of the Restoration Studio, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. If the mark persists, rub mineral spirits in the direction of the grain with fine steel wool.

- For a shellac finish, Keyser suggests cleaning the surface with mineral spirits and then applying a “reviver” -- made from one part mineral spirits, one part raw linseed oil, and a dash of vinegar -- with a soft cotton cloth in a circular motion.

*Before attempting these fixes, clean the area with a mild soap-and-water solution. After repairing, wipe the wood dry and apply wax. Note: Valuable pieces should be taken to a professional restorer.


Removing Burn Marks from Wood Furniture
Burns that penetrate not only the finish but also the wood can be hard to repair and often require the skills of a professional. If the damage isn’t too drastic, try these solutions.

- For a shallow burn, gently rub the area with a piece of fine steel wool wrapped around your finger.

- For a burn that has left a deeper hole, Keyser recommends filling it in with a wax stick. For best results, he says, melt the wax with a hair dryer on high and let it drip directly into the hole. Carefully scrape off any excess with a credit card, and remove any residue with a clean cotton cloth.

*Before attempting these fixes, clean the area with a mild soap-and-water solution. After repairing, wipe the wood dry and apply wax. Note: Valuable pieces should be taken to a professional restorer.


Removing Candle Wax from Wood Furniture
If a candle drips onto your tabletop, don’t try to wipe up the wax right away. Let it cool, then try either of two techniques. (Tips: To help keep candles from dripping, freeze them for 24 hours before lighting. And never move a burning candle or one you’ve just gently blown out until the wax has cooled and hardened.)

- Method 1: Ice. Harden the wax with an ice cube wrapped in a plastic bag, then scrape it off with a credit card. Clean the area with a slightly damp cotton cloth and wipe it dry. If there is still a waxy residue, gently rub it with mineral spirits to remove.

- Method 2: Heat. Soften the wax with a hair dryer on medium. When the wax starts to melt, wipe it away with a soft cloth. Gently clean any residue with mineral spirits and a soft cloth.

*Before attempting these fixes, clean the area with a mild soap-and-water solution. After repairing, wipe the wood dry and apply wax. Note: Valuable pieces should be taken to a professional restorer.