How do I clean antique oak furniture?

Question

Just short of refinishing, I wish to get rid of 20 years of grime.
The 100+ year old roll top desk is oak, refinished in 1946. The finish is generally solid. I await advice with toothbrush in hand.

Answer 1

if it is really grimey, I would take it outside and dampen a rag with mineral spirits first to get rid of the built up wax and other things that ou have put on it.

If it has turned a lot darker than it was when you got it, you might find out that it has been refinished with shellac, which it was probably finished with in the first place. test in a place that no one can see using shellac thinner and see if that lightens the coloration.

if it has crackling on the surface, it is finished with shellac and you can reliven the shellac with shellac thinner (wood alcohol - don't drink it, it can kill you that way), by brushing shellac thinner over it.

Otherwise, after the mineral spirits have dried, use teh Murphy's soap or green soap.

Answer 2

Cleaning Old Oak Furniture

Answer 3

If you ever expect to sell it, don't clean it! It will lessen the value, Just clean the grime off with soap and water, or use furniture polish, nothing stronger. If you don't care about the value, then simple green, krudd kutter, any type of cleaner. If it were mine, I would lightly go over it with a rag dipped in stain similar to what is on it.

Answer 4

Well, if it were a table or chairs I would say take it outside and wash it BUT not this...mmmm, boiled linseed oil and turpintine, Open the windows...works great and replenishes the wood...My mother has had an antique business since the 60s and that is what she uses on all her furniture...

Answer 5

Best thing you can do is remove all the grime with some spirit and bring it to the bare wood, then apply varnish and there you have it, brand new again...

Answer 6

murphy's oil soap

Answer 7

try murphys oil soap

Answer 8

spray it with febreeze or something