Cleaning Residue off a Table?

goodstuff · ‎03-09-2010

I have a beautiful Thomasville oak trestle table, and the finish has gotten spotty, built up, and thickened due to use, dirt (probably), and sun exposure. What product should I use to wipe down the table and remove the built-up residue to refresh the finish of this table? I don't want to do a big strip-and-refinish job -- just something to clean off the built-up gunk and refresh the surface.

Any suggestions? I want quick and easy.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

While nothing is going to help sun damage there are furniture cleaners for wood.

I would call Thomasville and ask what they recommend, first. There may be a polyurethane type of coating on the tabletop to protect from damage.

If Thomasville ok's a furniture cleaner, Formby's makes a decent cleaner. HD carries it and under $10.

Work in a small area at a time and go with the grain. It's liquid so use a clean, soft cloth. I've used Formby's and never had any damage. Sometimes waxes and polish build up and trap dirt and the finish starts to look dark or uneven.

If it's Thomasville, that's a lifetime piece! I would have it refinished if you're not happy with the results of using a good furniture cleaner.

SHOPR · ‎04-17-2013

Thanks for the tip to try Formby's. I'm also interested in any other replies to OP's question because I have a very old and very dear to me dining table that is in similar shape to OP's, and I don't want to strip/refinish right now either.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I would try mineral spirits - start by using a small amount in an inconspicious area . We have used this on some of our antique pieces that sometimes are very dirty or the varnish is deteriorating(sp?) and it takes that right off - then renew the finish with some minwax. We have a Stickley antique buffet in our DR that we stll need to work on - I had refinished it about 30 years ago with tung oil and now it is looking very old and dried out so this is our plan - mneral spirits then minwax.