Does beeswax polish really clean high gloss furniture?
Hello Everyone, I inherited this beautiful mahogany bedroom set from my in-laws and it’s almost 70 years old. My husband and I do not know when the last time it had a thorough cleaning and polishing. I am completely redoing the bedroom and would like to freshen up the surface of these pieces. The set comes with a dresser and matching mirror, a Highboy, and two night stands.Has anyone used Beeswax furniture polish, and does it really perform as they say it does? They tout the fact that it removes years of built up polish and dirt. Before I make that investment I just want to make sure it can remove decades of polish buildup and dust. Also, the surface is high gloss and is covered those very, very fine scratches, not to mention 70 year’s worth of everyday wear and tear scratches.The vinegar, water, and olive oil formula did not work. Old English did not work either, but I welcome all suggestions, ideas, and comments. Thank you.
Hi Eva,
I have several pieces of furniture that are in similar condition. I've been exploring my options so I was interested in finding information about beeswax. I found an interesting video (yes, it's basically a commercial for their product but they only mention that at the beginning). What I found interesting about this video is the method that they used. I would never think of using soft steel wool to apply beeswax, yet that is what they recommend. See if this helps you with your research. Wishing you the best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9I-xqd8QlU
Hi Eva. A good way to clean the hardware is put it in a crock pot and fill with water. Set it on low and let it set 24 hrs. After that take them out and scrub them with a soft-bristle toothbrush. I learned this method by watching HGTV shows (like Rehab Addict). btw The British used to build their ships out of mahogany because it's water resistant.
try the beeswax but buy it from somewhere with a good return policy in case it doesn't work so you can get your money back.
Beeswax polish or paste wax polish is a finishing polish. It does not clean.
Before using the Beeswax Polish, if the wood is dirty, give the wood a good clean using the wood cleaner. Ensure the surface is dust free. Apply the Beeswax Polish onto a cloth and rub into the wooden surface following the direction of the grain. Leave for 3-4 minutes and buff over with a cloth to restore the lustre. To clean the wood surface use Muphy's Oil Soap. Wipe off and let dry. Then you can apply the polish.
https://www.artsandcraftscollector.com/collectors-article/which-is-best-wax-polish-or-oil/
You might find this helpful on cleaning wood furniture:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-wood-furniture/
Here is a natural method, or you can buy a wood cleaner from your hardware store. https://pistachioproject.com/2013/03/natural-wood-cleaner-and-restorer.html
I use BONA on furniture to clean the wood well. It is mostly used for hardwood floors but I use it all the time on furniture as well. This should remove all the polish residue. Then after cleaning it well, then think about putting on the beeswax using the directions in that first video.
I found a few solutions but not much info on beeswax that was helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiWkOw9YXdQ
https://www.antique-hq.com/best-wood-polish-for-antiques-2882/
Hello we use the beeswax polish orange oil polish and enjoy the shine and luster it provides.
The one we use can be found at floor and decor and on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BKQYGW/?coliid=I2X92NYWP2MG06&colid=OK45J3HQATBK&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
You mentioned vinegar, water, & olive oil. You might try 50/50 white vinegar and water to remove the build up.
Sometime you can use a degreaser or grease cutting dish soap.
Mineral spirits will remove it but you will need to be care as not to remove the finish as well.
I haven't used it but I've also heard good things about Mrs. Meyer's Baking Soda Cream Cleaner. You might be able to duplicate it by making a paste of baking soda & peroxide.
One other method is 1 cup white vinegar + 1 Tbsp cream of tarter.
I hope you find a solution that doesn't damage the finish. It looks like a lovely set.
Hopefully this article will help https://www.howardproducts.com/product/restor-a-finish/?pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9TW9aMXZOMmpaQjFkTE5vMlVzMEJsNEV3NHhFWUUzUmQmbj1yVlhJY2hjaDlyVWZKUGpGNjFGU2pnJnQ9QUFBQUFGNVVBSkE
I recently started using Feed'n Wax for antique woods. It does amazing things to improve old finishes - with no harsh smells or complicated methods. :)
Murphy’s Oil Soap has been the fine wood cleaner I was taught by my great grandmother to use, over 3 decades ago.
They have a couple of formulas now, but I still buy the original.
After it is cleaned, then make sure whatever wax or oil you use (Danish or Tung) doesn’t make any raw spots become much darker.
Hi, thank you for taking your time with this recommendation. After reading up on it, it looks like I may use this on my wooden kitchen cabinets too! I think I’ll buy a small container of this and take it from there. I do have some scratches in parts that reach the raw wood. I tested a small section with Old English polish and dabbed it over some scratches and it blended in nicely. I may stick with that for the bigger scratches. Again, thank you very much for your suggestions. Always appreciated, and have a good evening.
Get some Thompson’s or Formbys from Lowe’s or Home Depot. Both are excellent restoring/cleaning products. When clean you can use the bees wax or use the kits to completely restore. You can also find these products on Amazon
Hi Dee, thank you for your recommendation. I will be glad to read up on this one too. We only want a product that will help us preserve these fine pieces of furniture! Thank you again, and have a great afternoon.
You have lots of ansewrs i just want to say your furniture is cool i love the look. Good solid wood that lasts. I have a double wardrobe an a tall boy ..1920's. Simila in a gloss finish.. Some friends evan said i should paint it white. My face went pale. Furniture aint made like it was. Now we have flat packs. That break an fall appart. :)
I'm sure which ever one you do, It will loook amazeing . Good luck to you.
I love this stuff on my clients old wood furniture, brings it back to life..... https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Products-FW0016-Feed-N-Wax-Conditioner/dp/B001BKQYGW/ref=asc_df_B001BKQYGW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167151917164&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13280723818755396133&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033057&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-359966166447&psc=1
Well my client has many antiques, and I use it when the wood looks dry especially one old burl trunk his grandparents owned and my client is in his 90s. There are quite a few quartersawn oak pieces, and english hutches and other fine antiques.
It's amazing how Murphy's Oil Soap will remove that tacky grass film that gets on the kitchen Cabinets and the Stove if you fry and don't use a screen. I use it right out of the bottle on a sponge then spray Alcohol on the space and wipe with a paper towel, boy it makes it shine.
Perhaps you should try to use a special tool for cleaning and restoring wood called Wood Reviver? I have already used this tool to clean my old chest and everything worked perfectly! I'm not sure if this cleaning tool will help in your case, but it's probably better to try than to do nothing, right?
Hi Melba, that sounds like a good idea, thank you! I’m afraid I had to put the dresser project aside for a while as I got into other, more pressing, projects for now but I always make mental notes of good ideas!
I wish you and your family a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
Beeswax finish is a popular choice for furniture, but it does have some disadvantages.
It can be pricey and difficult to apply without a lot of practice.
Hi Chloe, thank you. Beeswax seems to be the choice of many who value their family heirlooms. Have a good day!