How do I clean 20 years of buildup off a white table?

Teresa
by Teresa
  7 answers
  • Liz Liz on Oct 21, 2017

    Not enough info to assist.

    • Teresa Teresa on Oct 21, 2017

      Wood table that was in a smokers house. Yellow film. Not sure if I can clean or if I need to strip it

  • Michelle Michelle on Oct 21, 2017

    What type of substance is coating the table?

    • Teresa Teresa on Oct 21, 2017

      Old wood table with built up grime and tobacco smoke film

  • Rymea Rymea on Oct 21, 2017

    As long as the table isn't metal then try Clorox clean up and a scrubber sponge.

    • See 1 previous
    • Rymea Rymea on Oct 23, 2017

      It will clean up any grimy greasy gummy mess and also works especially well on coffee stains and mustard stains. I once lived in a house with white laminate counter tops. Nothing else took the stains off except clorox clean up. It's also great for stainless steel sinks. Spray inside, scrub with scrubber sponge and rinse. I know, I sound like an advertisement.

  • Is it painted? Just wash it. Dawn and a magic eraser should do the trick.

  • Liz Liz on Oct 21, 2017

    I would try a few products. Smokers leave an oily film. which can be removed with patient cleaning. it could be that the furniture polish is filthy not the actual finish.

    Age, dryness, previous treatments, and wearing will affect your decision. If the table is old, the wood may be dried out. Excessive water may cause it to swell.

    I would try a diluted degreasing detergent on an out of sight location. Dutch Glow has a few restoration products. Your other solution would be to sand and repaint. Only if your table has a few dings and you want to bring back the wood grain would I strip it. You may want to restore as a gaming table (backgammon, checkers, chess) mosaics, tiles, may be another direction.

    Note: Vinegar s not recommended if it has polyurethane on it as vinegar effect plastic and aluminum.

    Otherwise, take it to a pro. they can get it done quickly.

  • Teresa Teresa on Oct 22, 2017

    Thank you for all the ideas. I'll get working!


  • Michelle Michelle on Oct 27, 2017

    What have you tried so far?