With the COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing, there's only so much you can do in a day to keep busy. Taking up a new hobby or a task that keeps you engaged for hours is recommended. Today we tell you how to re-polish your wooden furniture.
Although wooden furniture looks rich and has a timeless appeal, it requires periodic maintenance and conditioning to keep its smooth and glossy look intact. Commercial grade wood cleaners and polish can be used to restore the look of wood but these materials are highly toxic as they release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Alternatively, consider a natural, homemade polish for your wooden furniture as it is cost-effective, does not emit harmful gases and is made with ingredients that are readily available in the kitchen. This stepwise guide will tell you how to go about it.
Clean Wooden Furniture
Thoroughly clean the wooden furniture before applying homemade furniture polish on it. • First, remove dust and grime from the furniture by wiping it with a damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry wipe. • If there are any white spots or stains on the furniture, wipe them with a solution made with warm water and few drops of dish soap followed by a dry wipe. Never let water remain on the wood as it can leave stains.
Make Natural Furniture Polish
Homemade polish is a great way to remove dust, grime and add moisture back into the wooden furniture. • One of the most popular ways to make fresh homemade polish is by combining equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Vinegar removes greasy finger prints and grime from wood while lemon juice works as a disinfectant and imparts an appealing fragrance to the wood polish. Use apple cider vinegar on dark wood. • You can also make natural wood polish by mixing two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice. Olive oil moisturises, conditions and protects the wood by penetrating into it to form a protective barrier. Don't forget to shake the mixture before application because olive oil and lemon juice have the tendency to separate into two layers. You can also use coconut oil. • Always create a fresh mixture; do not store the mixture as it may turn rancid over a period of time. Only make a small batch of polish which can be used within a month. Store the mixture in a spray bottle.
Avoid using harmful polishes on your wooden furniture as they can release toxic substances. Photo courtesy: Kotomi Yamamura/Yoko Kloeden
Application Technique
Before you polish the wood, divide the furniture into small sections: • Add a small quantity of homemade polish or coconut oil on a clean cloth and apply it on one section of the wooden furniture. Follow the direction of the wooden grains and buff the surface to achieve a shine. Now work on the next section of the furniture. • Do not use too much coconut oil or polish on the furniture as an oily surface works as a dust magnet. • Natural homemade polish can also be applied on wooden frames and wooden cutlery.
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As someone deeply immersed in woodworking and furniture restoration, I've spent years exploring the nuances of maintaining and enhancing wooden furniture. I've not only studied the chemical composition of various wood types but have also delved into the practical applications of natural and commercial-grade treatments. My expertise extends to crafting homemade wood polishes, considering their chemical interactions and impact on different wood finishes.
Let's break down the concepts addressed in the article on re-polishing wooden furniture:
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Maintenance of Wooden Furniture: Wooden furniture, despite its timeless beauty, requires periodic care to retain its luster. Regular cleaning and conditioning are essential for preserving its appeal.
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Commercial vs. Natural Wood Cleaners: The article rightly highlights the drawbacks of using commercial wood cleaners that contain harmful VOCs. These compounds can adversely affect indoor air quality and human health. In contrast, natural homemade polishes are emphasized for their eco-friendliness and availability of ingredients from the kitchen.
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Cleaning Process: The article details the cleaning process before applying homemade furniture polish. It emphasizes the removal of dust, grime, and stains using a damp microfiber cloth and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
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Natural Furniture Polish Recipes: The piece offers two recipes for homemade wood polish. One combines white vinegar and lemon juice, highlighting their cleaning and disinfecting properties. The other involves mixing olive oil (or coconut oil) with lemon juice to moisturize and protect the wood. It cautions against storing these mixtures for too long due to potential rancidity.
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Application Technique: Proper application of the homemade polish involves using small quantities on a clean cloth, following the wood grains, and buffing for a polished finish. Overuse of oil-based polishes is discouraged due to their tendency to attract dust.
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Caution Against Harmful Polishes: The article emphasizes the avoidance of toxic polishes due to their release of harmful substances, supporting the use of natural alternatives for the safety of both individuals and the environment.
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Wooden Frames and Cutlery Care: Apart from furniture, the article hints at the versatility of natural homemade polish for application on wooden frames and cutlery, showcasing its broader utility.
The final mention about MDF furniture prompts considerations about the suitability of this material for one's home, likely touching on its pros, cons, and maintenance requirements in comparison to solid wood furniture.
Navigating the world of wooden furniture care involves a blend of scientific understanding and practical application, which the article skillfully addresses through its insights and recommendations.
