We deliberately did not title this article to refer to antique furniture only. After all, any piece of wooden furniture can start to look a bit jaded over time. It does not have to be decades old for this to happen. You can even have issues with a relatively new table if someone places a hot mug of coffee on the wood and leaves a water circle that you could really do without.
So, how do you restore the finish to wooden furniture in your home? First, of course, it’s possible to get an expert in French polishing in to do the job. But there are methods that you can try yourself first. Here are some useful tips to help you.
Does It Just Need To Be Cleaned?
This may seem like a strange question if you regularly take a cloth to your tables, cabinets, and chairs. But, dirt can still build up over time. It’s amazing what a difference a thorough clean can make. All you need is a damp cloth and some mild dish detergent. You can use stronger cleaners later on, if necessary. Often, all you need to do is wipe the surface with a soft cloth and then dry it with a different cloth. If the surface still does not look refreshed, you should try using a stronger dish detergent.
Getting Rid Of The Polish
Image Source: Sydney Mobile French Polishing
Polishing furniture is not always good if you are overzealous or do not get rid of the old polish first. As a result, you end up with a beautiful wooden table with a surface that has actually been dulled by the build-up of several layers of polish. The good news is that simple tea bags can help you get rid of the old polish and leave the table looking fresh again.
You boil water and soak tea bags in it as though you are making tea to drink. Then dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe the table with it. The tannic acid in the tea brings an amazing shine to the wood.
Getting Rid Of Those Mug Circles
We mentioned those dreaded mug circles earlier in this article. They can ruin the look of a piece of furniture. But, you do not have to put up with them. All you need to do is use some non-gel toothpaste on a cloth. Rub the toothpaste into the stain until you get rid of it. If you have problems removing the stain, mix baking soda with the toothpaste for enhanced stain-removing power.
Getting Rid Of Surface Scratches
Not every scratch on a piece of furniture is a disaster. Many surface scratches can be dealt with by simply rubbing them with some mineral spirits on a damp cloth. Surface scratches appear easily, so this tip is handy in helping to keep your furniture in pristine condition.
All of the tips in this article can help you bring life back to wooden furniture. However, if the furniture is more severely scratched, stained, or damaged, it’s a good idea to get some expert help with the situation.
