How to Clean a Bassett Dining Table

Daily Maintenance

• 1

  Dust the table often. Use a dry soft cloth and move in the direction of the wood grain. This will remove abrasive particles from the surface.

• 2

  Wash the table off with a mild, non-alkaline soap and sponge. A diluted hand soap works well on wood. Dry with a soft cloth; buff going with the grain.

• 3

  Create a safe furniture polish at home by combining one part lemon oil with three parts olive oil. Apply with a soft cloth moving with the grain. Buff dry. A varnished wood table does not necessarily need further polishing, but if you want to give it a shiny gleam, polishing will achieve this. Avoid waxing or using any type of polish or cleaning product that contains silicone, alcohol, or ammonia.

Water Spots

• 4

  Let spot air dry completely.

• 5

  Wipe mayonnaise over spot with a soft cloth. For tougher spots, try white toothpaste or a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or cooking oil.

• 6

  Rinse clean with water and buff dry.

• 7

  Use wooden coasters with felt bottoms for drinks. Moisture and heat can do the most damage to wooden furniture.

Heat Marks

• 8

  Rub heat mark with an extra fine dry steel wool soap pad.

• 9

  Move in the direction of the grain in a gentle motion until you see the mark disappear.

• 10

  Wipe it down with a soft cloth dipped in camphorated oil mineral spirits.

• 11

  Rinse clean with water and buff dry.