KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - KEEPING YOUR WOOD FURNITURE LOOKING GREAT
DON'T LET YOUR VALUABLE FURNITURE GO TO WASTE!
If you dust your wood furniture often with a slightly dampened lint free cloth containing a small amount of furniture polish, you won't have to polish as frequently. No matter what type of polish you choose, apply it sparingly.
The real secret to a good shine is more rubbing, not more polish. Avoid switching back and forth from a polish containing oil to one containing wax. Applying both kinds to the same surface can cause blotches, smudges and buildup. When using liquid polish, buff with a soft dry cloth while wet. Do the same with paste wax, only wait until it's dry (just like car wax).
To remove wax build-up wipe the surface with a soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits or synthetic turpentine. To remove water stains rub lemon oil into the area and let it set overnight. Wipe off the excess the following morning.
Glass rings will disappear if you rub them with mayonnaise and white toothpaste. Wipe the area dry and polish the entire surface.
Left untreated, alcohol can dissolve wood finishes. Clean up spills from drinks, medicines, and cosmetics immediately. Rub the spot with a cloth moistened with lemon oil.
To darken a scratch, rub it gently with the meat of a walnut. Rub the kernel of the nut directly into the scratch to avoid darkening the rest of the wood.
HAVE YOU GOT SPECIAL WOOD TIPS YOU WANT TO SHARE? Let me know.
DEAN'S TEAM HOME & GARDEN EDITOR,
KATHLEEN WEAVER ZECH
