Cleaning Old (not necessarily antique) wood furniture?

Question

My grandmother is passing on some furniture she has had for at least 30 years. It is wood and it is coated with 30+ years of smoke and dust residue. What is the best way to remove the gunk without stripping the finish. I would prefer not to have to refinish any of it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you dont mind a little work, I use murphys oil soap on my older wooden furniture. I wouldnt use anything abrasive as it can scratch threw some old finishes. I use some old socks, fits on the hand well and fingers get in to crevices good.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Clean it as you would any other furniture. Your not going to refinish it and 30 years isn't that old. Just wash it like you would anything else and put a good furniture polish on it.
I have my own wood-working shop but, do not do this type of work as it requires specific tools and equipment along with special materials. This is for restoring old furniture.

Answer 4

Get some white spirit (clears old wax polishes) and a nylon scouring pad. If it becomes nessesary to 'refinish' then use wire wool to get super clean, re-do the white spirit wash, then... Using a pad made up from an old pillowcase (lint free) soak the pad in a matt /silk finish varnish and wipe furniture with this.Advantages.... no brushmarks, throw away pad when done.This is so easy to do....

Answer 5

I think most everyone around here swears by the Mr. Clean magic sponge erasers. I would try that first. I just the to resort antique jukeboxes and have never caused damage to the "original" finishes.

Answer 6

Teds Woodworking #1 Woodworking Resource : http://Woodworking.NaturallySaver.com

Answer 7

do this...
sand it(with sandpaper)
shine it
coat it with paint(or wood like stickers if some of the wood surface is gone)

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