Asked on Apr 05, 2013
Cleaning carved wood antique table?
by Shelly L
+5
What is the best product to use to clean dirt out of the (carved edges) and legs of a wood antique table I found in the attic?? It has very old water marks as well and I do not want to strip it because it has some painted flowers on the top surface and I would like to keep that. Appreciate any advise!
8 answers
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I had a similar table and can air was really the best thing to clean all the crevices.
![Kimberly Barney]()
Kimberly Barney
on Apr 05, 2013
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Ha!! What a great idea Kimberly!! I never would have thought of that!!!
![Shelly L]()
Shelly L
on Apr 05, 2013
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Someone also suggested to try mayonnaise on the old watermarks??? I'm going to test a small spot. I love to find old treasures like this table. I would like to know the age of it and it's history for sure. It looks Victorian to me but....I should take a picture and post it!
![Shelly L]()
Shelly L
on Apr 05, 2013
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Murphy's oil soap and a tooth brush.
![Spheramid Enterprises]()
Spheramid Enterprises
on Apr 06, 2013
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Water does not hurt wood if you dry if as you go. Good idea to air blast clean it first. Then use a damp to wet toothbrush wiping with a dry cloth as you go. Wipe the toothbrush on cloth as you go, swish it out in clear water and wipe again. Then dip back in warm water mixture of Murphy's Soap solution and continue. This is not going to be as tedious as you might think and should move along quickly. You may have to use a bit of a flicking motion to get the water out of the crevices or you can use a small soft sponge to put into the grooves and remove damp grime! You will get an action going an wind up with a fantastic piece that will be worth the work.
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on Apr 06, 2013
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small scratchs & watermarks use meat of a nut...walnut, pecan...the oil in the nut usually covers the scratch.
![153091]()
153091
on Apr 06, 2013
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I buy the cheapy sets of paintbrushes and basting brushes from the dollar store and use them wet or dry. They work great for all of the cracks and crevices in lamp shades, knick knacks and furniture!!
![Camilla]()
Camilla
on Apr 06, 2013
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WOW!!! Thanks so much for the ideas everyone!! Fantastic. The table is my project this weekend. I can't wait to see it finished. I love to find these buried treasures.
![Shelly L]()
Shelly L
on Apr 08, 2013
Kimberly Barney
on Apr 05, 2013
Spheramid Enterprises
on Apr 06, 2013
Jeanette S
on Apr 06, 2013
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