Natural Furniture Polish
Filed Under Clean Quick and Green |
Maintaining your wood furniture properly is critical to promote longevity and cleanliness. However, have you ever seen what the spray of furniture polish looks like when it comes flying out of the canister? I liken it to a waxy hairspray. That lemony scent is there (mixed with some other mysterious scents that make you want to sneeze), and after copious amounts of spraying and rubbing, your furniture will polish up nicely.
For the most part, these products are effective, but the companies who create these products are not concerned with what the product does to you or the environment. They also include additives such as silicones, waxes, and other harmful chemicals, which can be eradicated with a natural solution.
I have tried this recipe and really like it. Pick up a flannel cloth (old or new), a bottle of white distilled vinegar, and a bottle of lemon oil (available at the health food store). Combine ¼ cup of vinegar and about 10 drops of lemon oil in a standard mixing bowl, and stir well.
To clean, take everything off the wood, dip the cloth into the mixture, and buff wood furniture to a shine. The vinegar lifts dirt out of the wood, and the oil leaves the furniture looking brilliant! I always buff in a circular motion and mentally divide the furniture into sections so that I know everything has been cleaned. I keep a dry flannel cloth on hand so that I can buff the piece dry before replacing anything to prevent rings being left.
I only do this once or twice a year, and never use it on my highly veneered finished wood pieces. The rest of the time, I find keeping wood clean means dusting the pieces and vacuuming only.
Melissa
