How do I clean up these chairs?

Hi I have 3 beautiful chairs I think their oak but not sure. They are water damaged and filthy! How do I restore them to their former glory?

  8 answers
  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 20, 2019

    start by getting all the old finish off, use a chemical stripper, if any gunk in the crevasse's then a dental pick to clean them out. medical supply store usually has them. then sand the surfaces lightly. you have a pressed board design on the lower part of the chair back , I cant see what is on top, do not sand the design. use the dentist tools for the crevasses. I am seeing screws- if this is an older chair it would be a peg holding them on not screws. most newer wood chairs have caps to put on over the hardware. take this photo to an antique shop. get an estament of value, and go from there.

    • See 1 previous
    • Dfm Dfm on Apr 20, 2019

      It’s most likely a bit of water damage. There was a post about white and black water rings, possibly archive into the “find your next project” header.

  • Kit Kit on Apr 20, 2019

    Using one part vinegar to one part water clean the chairs . Once you are satisfied they are as clean as possible you can then bring them back to life using

    Hemp oil or Howard’s Feed and Wax which can be found at Lowe’s or Amazon. A little goes a long way

    and the beeswax and citrus smell is great.

    Good Luck!


  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Apr 20, 2019

    Sand with a fine grit sand paper, followed by either a good stain or paint. Show a photo to the paint dept. for more ideas.

  • Gracie Gracie on Apr 20, 2019

    It is so sad to see these chairs in that condition. Yes, they are made of oak. I have/had a dining set with 8 exact same chairs and matching table, purchased new from a high end furniture store in Jacksonville, Fl in 1988 but have since handed the set down to my granddaughter. With loving care, this set will last her another 30/40 years. Just a kind suggestion to you, never use water {no matter how it's blended} to clean wood. The pics clearly show damage due to moisture. Good luck to you!

  • Denise Maruszczak Denise Maruszczak on Apr 20, 2019

    Hi thank you so much for your advice. What would you use to clean them?

    denise

  • Lah Lah on Apr 20, 2019

    Home improvement stores have a wide variety of wood rejuvenator products available

  • Ahilly Ahilly on Apr 20, 2019

    I’ve used Old English Scratch Cover for years to bring back life to various types of wood furniture. Use sparingly and wear gloves as it stains hands quickly and well. Leaves a good finish and blends in any spots, scrapes, nicks, or other marks, making them almost invisible. Restores the piece easily and quickly.

  • Paula S. Paula S. on Apr 22, 2019

    clean first with Murphy's oil soap. Rinse thoroughy and let dry, then use old English scratch cover.!