How do I clean this beautiful old rocker?

Question

Found this beautiful old rocker for sell on side of road. Need help on how to clean the buildup on top of rocker and make it smell better. Has a very old smell to it.

Grady · Answer

I would try an air freshener to get rid of the smell.

DrJanet Holzhauer · Answer

First use vinegar to cut the old oils left by the past owner. Skin contains natural oils that will be rubbed into the wood if the rocker was used much. Then try some Scott's Wood Cleaner & Preservative. It has a nice almond scent.

Stephanie (Sandpaper & Glue) · Answer

I second the vinegar suggestion- that's always my first go to. sometimes just dawn dish soap and warm water works wonders as well!

Per1313798 · Answer

Apply liquid ammonia and after about 15 minutes the varnish and buildup will melt away.

Per1313798 · Answer

I did a similar thing with my wooden front door and the wood remained unharmed.

Katrina Warren · Answer

Interesting rocker, the seat & back look like tooled leather are you sure they are wooden?

Carol Hougaboom Holman · Answer

I agree with Katrina. My first thought was leather.

Ltt834476 · Answer

I will try some of your suggestions. Will repost it, if any of it works.  And yes, it is wood. It has a beautiful design on the wood. Never seen this before. Thank you for your idea's, it's  start  :)

Rabs · Answer

the ideal solution is to clean it with kerosene

Smell goes

Stains go

And keeps wood free from pests

Tried and tested solution

Dawn Maria Tait · Answer

I have an old farmhouse, complete with the same scunge on every kitchen cupboard door, Pinesol and hot water, take a cloth and drape it over the scunge, I didn't wring it out too much, just enough to stop the puddles on the floor. Worked pretty good.

Gloria Duy · Answer

I agree with the vinegar, but after I got an old piece of furniture cleaned it still smelled a little. I gave it a sanding and then stained and varnished it and it was fine.

J · Answer

If it's all wood, use linseed oil with a rag to clean it up. I've done it with old pieces I've found roadside. Linseed oil (buy at hardware store) will clean years of dirt buildup and restore shine.

Donnaleedesigns52 · Answer

another tip- polish for old furniture - 1 tbsp coconut oil, 5 drops Lemon essential oil & 5 drops Lavender essential oil. Use a soft cloth dipped in mixture and buff the wood. Coconut oil is anti-fungal & anti-bacterial, actually fights the musty smell and mildew trapped inside the wood. Used this on a chair that had been in a barn for years. Works great

Somewhat Quirky · Answer

I would clean it with mineral spirits.

Sherry Fram · Answer

Try Murphy's oil soap. I have used it to clean up old wood and it works great.

Vicki Hawkins · Answer

Pledge Dust & allergen works great!

Lindcurt · Answer

Whatever cleaner you use -- use very little water. The pressed wood back and seat are most likely plywood that will separate if gotten too wet.

Jane · Answer

This website might offer some help in restoring this beautiful chair to its former glory. http://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/furniture-repair/how-to-refinish-furniture/view-all#step1

Vicki Hawkins · Answer

The Pledge Dust & Allergen will cut the buildup, just use plenu of old soft cloths & rub like CRAZY. May take more than one application. Worked great on my old wood buffet w/years of buildup!

Sherry · Answer

You know you've found a really lovely chair. Before you do anything to ruin it, please check with a reputable antique dealer to see if what you think is dirt is really the original finish where it hasn't been worn or cleaned off. The musty smell can't be cured with perfumed cleaners or soaps. It needs fresh air and time. Looks like you have a covered porch in the pics. That's a good place to get it some warm, dry air and give it some time. Until you know more about just what you've found, you should be very cautious about doing anything to it if you care about its value and history. Don't you watch 'Antiques Roadshow'?

CC · Answer

I refinish old furniture for a living and my new love is Amish Milk Wood Cleaner. However, definitely soak the wood with linseed oil first. It cleans off years and years of dirt buildup. Then finish with the Amish Milk. It's truly a wonderful new find.

Lenella Maxwell · Answer

Murphy's Oil Soap, the best thing to use. It cleans leather.

Zanna · Answer

Permatex DL Hand Cleaner, available on Amazon, is a godsend for projects like this!  Just wipe it on and then remove it with a soft cloth.  It should take off the gunk without removing the original finish.  Then you can just clean it with your furniture polish of choice.  I've used this cleaner on old furniture and even on old oil paintings.  It's great stuff!

Ltt834476 · Answer

Thank you for this information. I will look for this on Amazon.

Cyndi Neumann · Answer

Murphy's Oil Soap is Fabulous for cleaning everything! I use it all the time , just mix a little water and Murphy's Oil in a bowl and use old wash rag, It cleaned a rattan rocker I had, I had no idea it was so dirty, especially on the arm pieces! I also use it on my wall baseboards. Grocery store or Home Depot, Lowes, it is available everywhere. Smiles, Cyndi

How do I clean this beautiful old rocker?

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