Valuable antique or
vintage furniture will have a layer of grime on its surface from years of
exposure to dust, dirt and smolders. Collectors and buyers of good antique
furniture look for this layer of grime, which is referred to as the antique’s
“patina.” If you are looking to sell the piece, it is best not to try to clean
it yourself without first consulting a professional historic restorer.
Step 1
Remove the old wax from
your antique furniture first because a cleaner of any kind will not penetrate a
surface that has a build-up of old wax. There are varieties of name-brand
cleaners and/or strippers that you can purchase at a hardware store to do this.
Or you can use paint thinner at home in a well-ventilated room, wearing protective
gloves and a face mask.
Step 2
Pour a small amount of
the paint thinner into a glass bowl, and then with a superfine pad of steelwool, gently rub in slow circular motions across the surface of the antique,
being careful not to rub so hard that you scratch the wood. Eventually the old
wax build-up will loosen and begin to re-liquefy and you can then gently rub it
off with a soft cloth. Continue this step until you’re sure there is no more
old wax on the surface.
Step 3
Mix a little mild
dish-washing liquid in warm water. Now, using a soft cloth, gently wipe away
the residue of the old wax and the cleaner from one small area of the antique
at a time. Do not soak the wood, nor let water pool on its surface. Continue to
wipe off the entire surface with your damp cloth until you are sure the wax
build-up and residue is gone.
Step 4
Reapply a wax to your
newly cleaned antique after you complete the touch-ups. The new wax will
protect the new clean surface, unlike oily furniture spray polish, which may
provide a shine but do nothing to protect the furniture.
Important Tip: When
using any harsh chemicals like paint thinner, do it in a well-ventilated room,
wearing protective gloves and a face mask. Check our guide to buy antique
furniture online.
