How fix wood table that was accidently polished?

Question

I accidently polished my wood table with pledge. Problem is, I forgot that the cleaning instructions said not to use furniture polish. Now there are streaks on the table from where I wiped it down. Any advice on how I can fix this? Or how I can buff out the streaks?

Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

jd it sounds like your table may have a Danish Oil finish (or equivalent) rather than a lacquer or urethane finish over top of a wood stain. Everyday furniture polishes, i.e. Pledge, are really not meant for use with this type of finish and indeed may leave what usually will look like milky streaks or spots where the item absorbed heavier amounts. Oil finishes are not like lacquer or urethane (the modern version of a varnish finish), in that oil finishes are not actually a solid seal over the surface, but a blend of natural oils which penetrate and nourish wood, providing both a natural water repellent comparable to what a Scotchguard gives a fabric, and a healthy internal moisture level wood cells need to prevent shrinking and splitting.

My suggestion for removal of the polish would be first to wipe away all you can using a dry white cloth. Cotton terry is okay, but if you have something more like a cloth diaper this will better show when you are no longer getting any surface polish. Next, clean the table by washing with Murphy's Oil Soap, using about 1/3 Murphys mixed w/ 2/3 warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth, gently scrubbing in long equal strokes following the grain. Wipe dry every few minutes with a clean cloth. Best results come from a couple mild washes toweled in between rather than 1 long washing. You'll want your sponge/cloth wet, but avoid so wet as to puddle water on the work. Only work on one area at a time; doing the table top as one complete area. When done, towel dry thoroughly and allow overnight before any further treatment. The streaking and any uneven oily-looking areas should now be removed. Towel the finish once more to remove any soap film if it appears dull or hazy using firm pressure as if polishing a car; again stroking with the grain, never across. If needed you can now refresh the surface with a light application of true furniture oil, applied sparingly on a clean rag and polished in.

Hope this helps you!

Answer 2

On a wood table, water spills, wet glasses or vases, and hot dishes can leave behind unsightly white marks and rings when the moisture seeps into the finish. Fortunately, unless you've had a spill linger on the surface for a long time, this damage can be repaired quickly. Start by placing a clean, thick towel on top of the stain. With your iron on a dry low-to-medium setting, press over the towel (making sure the soleplate doesn't touch the wood) for several seconds. The gentle heat will warm the finish enough to release the moisture into the towel. Lift the towel to check the results. Repeat as needed until the stain disappears. Polish and buff as usual.

Answer 3

I didn't use pledge but was using something I heard would polish the furniture on Good Morning America. I had a mess. They said use vegetable oil and lemon juice. Don't ever try it. I finally mixed some Dawn Dishwashing liquid and hot water and washed the table to get the mess off. It may work for you but I would try a small spot first.

Answer 4

You don't want to ruin the wood by using any chemicals. Furniture Polish isn't permenant and will Rub off after awhile.
If you have a soft cloth disk buffer it should speed up the process of eliminating the polish.
Don't feel bad ~ I've done the same thing .

Answer 5

sounds like a big job ahead.
I've had to strip them down wood,restain and
coat with pollyuratane.
buffin is out.and i don't the orgianel finish.
Check with a cabnet shop,or lumber yard.

Answer 6

Turpentine or white spirit will remove old wax coverings.
Don't use water based chemicals