How do I clean an old dresser with alcohol?

First, try a simple cleanser: Dampen a cotton swab with water, add a drop of dish-washing liquid, and test. If the finish survives, make a solution of water and detergent, and wipe the entire piece. Don't saturate the wood; keep the sponge barely damp, and rinse often. The results can be dramatic.

Wood that remains grubby-looking needs some degree of refinishing. Try rubbing denatured alcohol on a small, hidden area. If the finish does not dissolve, it's oil, lacquer, polyurethane, or varnish. If it does dissolve, the finish is shellac. The top layers should be removed and replaced with more of the same.

Careful with alcohol because it could ruin the finish.

Hi Connie. I read on Home Talk today. We'd. .she clean with alcohol sanded prime painted. It was Judy. .a lot of work. .beautiful job. Well done. .Merry Christmas. .

Denatured alcohol is used to clean wood when you are getting ready to refinish after sanding and repairing. I wouldn't recommend alcohol for cleaning wood regularly as it will eat away at the finish.