Are there any commercial furniture polishes that don't leave a waxy residue?

Question

We just inherited a cherry dining room set and buffet from my mother-in-law. I've always used Orange glo, Murphy's oil soap, Pledge or Endust before to clean and polish wood furniture.

But for whatever reason, this table gets a waxy buildup on it when I use any of those products (it is sealed wood, though I'm not sure if its shellac or varnish or poly) on it has a smeary, greasy look on it.

Are there any other items I could try that won't harm the wood at all? Its not vintage, its a set she purchased at Ethan Allen about 5 years ago.

Any ideas of other products or methods would be greatly appreciated. For the time being I've just been polishing with a microfiber cloth, but I would like to be able to polish it as well every month or so.

Answer 1

The problem you have, The person that finished(sealed) the table used a water based sealant. That is the reason why when you try to polish it it leaves a "cloudy" look.

Now you I can tell you that I have good news and bad news.

Let's start with the bad. There is only one of two ways to do this.
The right way and the wrong.

The good news. The wrong way has an infinite amount of possibilities.

The right way would be to remove the finish and put a better one on so you don't have that problem anymore.

Answer 2

To remove polish build-up, mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Rub furniture with a soft cloth that has been moistened with the solution. Dry immediately with a clean cloth.Hope this helps:)

Perhaps you would like to make your own polish.

Furniture Polish Recipe

Mix in a sprayer bottle:

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice

Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

Answer 3

Sounds to me as if you're doing everything I would do!... I don't know what else you could do! :( sorry

Answer 4

HAVE YOU TRIED THE WINDEX WIPES.OR THE PLEGDE ONES? THAT MAY WORK.