Wood furniture can last a lifetime if properly cared for and maintained, but some of the most well-known products on the market don’t actually do a very good job. Try these simple, affordable homemade furniture polish and cleaning recipes instead.
Cleaning Solution Recipe 
First, clean your wood furniture. If it has layers of built up grime and old furniture products, this step is especially important.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
Directions:
Mix the water and vinegar together. Dip a soft cotton cloth in the cleaning solution then squeeze out excess moisture. Rub gently until the area is clean. Re-dampen the cloth as needed.
Allow the wood to dry thoroughly.
Furniture Polish Recipe
Polishing does more than make your furniture look nice. It actually protects the wood from moisture loss that can cause cracking.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Mix the olive oil and essential oil in a glass jar. Apply it sparingly to clean wood and polish with a soft cloth.
Store in an airtight glass jar away from heat and light.
Wood Repair Salve
If your wood furniture has been neglected and looks old, worn-out, or dry, you might be surprised how easy it is to bring it back to its former beauty.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (2 ounces) beeswax
- 1 cup olive or coconut oil
Directions:
Shred the beeswax into the bowl of a double boiler or a microwave-safe container. Add the oil and heat until the wax melts.
Stir to combine the melted wax and oil into a smooth mixture.
Let the mixture cool, stirring occasionally to incorporate the cooler, hardening outer edges into the center where the oil and wax mixture is still hot. You want to finish with a smooth consistency similar to whipped icing.
Rub a small amount of the salve into the wood. If the wood is very dry, leave the salve for several hours before wiping away the excess.
Store the salve in a glass jar away from heat and light.
Restoration
These recipes are easy to make and effective for maintain and repairing most wood furniture. If you have pieces of significant monetary, historical, or sentimental value, it is always best to have a qualified furniture restoration professional evaluate the wood and make any repairs or restorations needed.
