How to Clean Yellowed Furniture Wax Buildup

While wooden furniture is naturally durable, it is vulnerable to blemishes that mar its finish. Regularly applying a wax coat to furniture protects finishes from dings and scratches that ruin wood's appearance -- but applying it too thickly causes it to build up on furniture. Wax buildup feels sticky and develops a yellowish tinge on furniture as it ages. Since yellowed wax detracts from furniture's beauty, remove unattractive buildup using some standard techniques.

2 cotton cloths
Chemical-resistant gloves
Mineral spirits

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe loose dust off the furniture using a dry cotton cloth.
- 2
  Prepare to clean the furniture with mineral spirits. Open nearby windows for ventilation, and put on chemical-resistant gloves for hand protection.
- 3
  Saturate another cloth with mineral spirits. Wipe the cloth over the furniture's finish, following the grain lines. Fold the cloth once it accumulates wax buildup.
- 4
  Continue wiping the furniture's finish with mineral spirits until no more yellowed wax buildup remains on the finish or transfers onto the cloth.
- 5
  Hang the moistened cloth outdoors to air-dry, as it is flammable. Dispose of the cloth according to local ordinances.

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