How do I remove wax and dirt build up from vintage table top?

Question

I have a MCM drop leaf dining table I bought for my kitchen. It is not designer but more mass market produced for that time period. How can I frugally remove years of build up of wax and grime yet leave the finish intact? I have no desire to refinish or paint it. I just want it clean so I can keep it oiled.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Try a product called cabinet magic. Home depot sells this.

Susen Gail · Answer

Pretty table! I use Fornby's cleaner and restorer on an old highboy. It had worked well before, but I couldn't get rid of the smears on that highboy. I finally just used hot soapy dishwater. Dried it well. Now it shines. Happy Decorating! susen

Elizabeth Dion · Answer

I use TSP.  works every time.  You can buy it at WalMart or most any hardware store.

Betty · Answer

I use both Murphy's Wood Soap Cleaner and/or Old English Furniture Cleaner.

Hervoline Pearson · Answer

I took a refinishing class and the instructor showed us how to use hand leaner the mechanics use to clean their hands. You use cheesecloth to put it on, going with the grain then wipe off with a soft lint less cloth. It really works. The table is beautiful.

Jasmin · Answer

Mineral spirits and 0000 steel wool should take the wax off. If it's still difficult, allow the mineral spirits to sit for about a minute and wipe with steel wool. Keep well ventilated. Do it outside if possible.

Craftyfox · Answer

years ago I found an old piano in a neighbor's garage it was covered with dust and sand I cleaned years of old wax with one step floor wax

Dee · Answer

Actually use dark hard wax, such as minwax or bri wax. Apply with very fine steel wool and wipe off with a microfiber cloth or if you have a buffer, or drill with a buffer attachment it will take all the old stuff off. Keep the wax in a warm place and let it get soft. Like turn your oven on to about 200 degrees, the turn it OFF. Put the can of wax in the warm oven for about 15 minutes and apply. It will remove all the old stuff and look amazing.

Cathey DeRosa · Answer

There's a product called 'TSP' that works well for me.

Jackie · Answer

Rub the wood with a soft cloth dipped in a mix of malt vinegar and water (half & half ish) then buff with another soft cloth, a clean dry one this time. It's always worked for me but I've got to say Hervoline Pearsons hand cleaner sounds intriguing.

Cathey DeRosa · Answer

Not that I've ever seen. If you're worried, just try it on an indiscreet area. I would do that with any of the suggestions.

Blissful1 · Answer

The following is from Martha Stewart's site. I've used this formula many times and have always been surprised at how well it works without removing the actual finish on a piece. It actually removed decades old planter rings from an antique hutch! The linseed oil/turpentine recipe shown works great for water/mold stains (from planters) on wood finishes. 3 parts linseed oil to 1 part turpentine. Add total amount of mixture to equal portion of very hot water in a glass jar. Use (very fine) #0000 steel wool to apply, dry with a clean towel and let sit for 2 days. Here's a link that has a video: http://www.marthastewart.com/249319/furniture-care-tips

Shirley · Answer

I recent found a wood cleaning solution on this site..one part white vinegar and 3 parts olive oil...and wow does it ever make all our oak trim look beautiful.

How do I remove wax and dirt build up from vintage table top?

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How do I remove wax and dirt build up from vintage table top?

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