How to Restore Thirsty Wood

Bring 1 qt. of water to a boil, then take it off the heat.

Add 2 tbsp. of turpentine and 4 tbsp. of boiled linseed oil to a large container.

Pour the hot water over the turpentine and boiled linseed oil.

Put on a pair of dishwashing gloves.

Dip a chamois in the solution and wring it out as best you can. You may have to wait a few minutes until the solution is cool enough to stick a gloved hand in. There should be no dripping water. Excess water will warp unfinished wood.

Clean a 2-square-foot area (or smaller) of the wood. Wipe the wood clean, working in the direction of the grain. Rinse and wring the chamois frequently, whenever it begins to dry out or accumulates visible soil on its surface. Stop cleaning when no more visible dirt is transferred to the surface of the chamois.

Wipe the cleaned area dry with a clean chamois. Rub vigorously in the direction of the wood grain until the area is dry.

Repeat washing and drying until the entire wood piece is cleaned and rehydrated.

Rub a commercial furniture oil into the wood in the direction of the grain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application methods and amounts. Follow with a clean, dry chamois wipe to remove any excess oil.