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Cleaning and Polishing Process of Wooden Furniture

WoodenFurniture

People who love their antique wooden furniture worry a lot on its maintenance. After some years gone, they begin to worry on its dull appearance and are anxious to get rid of the old appearance somehow. Again, they get confused on the right cleaning methods; whether to clean the surface with wet cloth or with oil cloth. Can applying oil remove the splitting or cracking on the heat exposed areas? Doubts like this are endless to the owners since they love their furniture. That too, when it is a ancestor property then the worries are more and justified. However, using Guardian protection products make them look bright and beautiful for many generations in future.

In the past, women used to apply beeswax to the wooden furniture and make them glow with shiny surface. They call it as ‘elbow grease’. Apart from regular waxing and dusting, there are special products specially meant for protecting antique wooden furniture which pairs well with area rugs.

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Cleaning and polishing:

In case yours is antique furniture that is priceless, then it is better to handover the cleaning process to the professionals who are expert restorers. Otherwise, you can also clean the wooden furniture as per the instructions in the manuals.

  • Take out the old wax: Stripping out the old wax coating is not that easy because it is a protecting cover and is hard to remove. However, there are wax removers or cleaners and strippers in the market and use them for effective cleaning.  Before starting your work, place the furniture in a well ventilated area and do the work. Dip a steel wool into the wax cleaner and clean the wooden surface using gentle circular motion. Then once again clean it with a dry cloth.
  • Thorough cleaning: After taking out the old wax, there will be a layer of white liquid on the surface. Clean this thoroughly using mild soap and water. However, never allow the water to get into wood. Immediately wipe the wet area with adry cloth.  Then allow surface to dry completely.
  • Touch up small repairs: Professionals have wood colour felt tip pen or stain pen to mark the scratches and stains. Buy the same shaded pen and make up the stains and scratches with it so that the surface will be uniform.
  • Apply waxing: As the final step, apply waxing. Only use the best and quality wax sealants so that they can seal all the touch up works done in the old steps. Moreover, it will protect the wooden surfaceand provide the finishing. The more you rub and work hard, the greater the shining will be. However, this shining cannot be done through applying oil. Some may mistakenly do this but it is very harmful for the wood. Oil will attract dust and dirt and make thefurniture weaker.

WoodenFurniture

Apart from cleaning and polishing, splitting, cracking and dusting must be done to restore the wood to its old original state. Again it is better to join in suitable furniture protection plan to maintain their antique furniture.

WoodenFurniture

Beverly Hills Mansion by Dennis Gibbens Architects

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