How can I clean this?

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

I inherited my mom and dad's bedroom set.

It's vintage 1954. It's cherrywood and extremely well constructed. In all these years, not a screw has come loose nor has it sustained any structural damage. However, it's dirty from years of use and wax buildup - she used to "polish" it every week as part of her regular cleaning regimen. We plan to have it professionally restored eventually, as it's also scratched and worn. In the meantime I have tried everything I know to clean it and nothing seems to work. if anyone can lead me to the right product for this, I'd be very grateful.

~ house cat ~
~ leaving los angeles ~

grandma r · ‎10-26-2010

@house_cat. Looks like a beautiful set. Try Amish Wood Milk. Use a clean cloth to rub it on. The product will bring your wood back to life. I love using it.

luvmybeetle · ‎08-10-2013

I would like to know also. I have my original dresser from 1954 when I was a child. I would love to clean it really well as I waxed it also every week. I've never had to buy a new bedroom set in all these years as it is made from all wood, no plywood.

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@house_cat

For decades the standard in fine furniture and antique care has been Minwax sold through hardware stores. There is a cleaning solution that removes the gunk. Their stains and furniture care items are wonderful!

I use Old English lemon oil. It nourishes the wood with no build-up.

ThinkingCamille · ‎07-26-2019

Did you try Murphy's oil soap ? That is what I would use. You may need a very soft toothbrush to get around the carving where the English oil polishing settled.

I had a similiar problem with an old Thomasville dining room set with crendenza. It took me quite awhile to get all the residue Old English oil off the piece .

I am contemplating painting it with chalk paint .

Biftu · ‎02-05-2011

@ThinkingCamille wrote:
Did you try Murphy's oil soap ? That is what I would use. You may need a very soft toothbrush to get around the carving where the English oil polishing settled.
I had a similiar problem with an old Thomasville dining room set with crendenza. It took me quite awhile to get all the residue Old English oil off the piece .
I am contemplating painting it with chalk paint .

@ThinkingCamille I have painted many prices both old and new with chalk paint and I love how they turned out. Do it!

icd55 · ‎03-09-2010

Food for Varnish by Rowe Bisonite, available on Amazon. This outstanding product was developed for commercial & industrial use, and so, is not commonly known. Food for Varnish will restore and condition the finish without altering it. I used this on my new & antique furniture as well as natural woodwork & cabinets for decades & cannot recommend it highly enough.