DIY Wood Polish

Store-bought furniture polishes can contain nitrobenzene, a chemical that can be harmful to your health if absorbed through skin. They also can contain flammable petroleum distillates, which can lead to lung or skin cancer. Additionally, store-bought polishes can be expensive, and their containers are not always biodegradable or recyclable. Making your own furniture polish solves the problems associated with many store-bought polishes. With only a few ingredients, you can safely care for your wood furniture without negatively impacting the environment and bringing chemicals into your home.

Things You'll Need

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Spray bottle
• Soft cloths
• Mineral oil
• Lemon oil
• White vinegar
• Chamois cloth

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Instructions

1. Finished Wood Polish

   • 1

     Pour 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon juice into the spray bottle.

   • 2

     Shake well and apply to wood furniture with a soft cloth.

   • 3

     Repeat once per week or as necessary to clean and preserve wood finish.

   Unfinished Wood Polish

   • 4

     Pour 1 pint mineral oil and 1 tsp. lemon oil into a spray bottle.

   • 5

     Spray the mixture onto a soft cloth.

   • 6

     Apply sparingly as necessary to unfinished wood furniture.

   Mahogany Polish

   • 7

     Pour 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup warm water into a spray bottle.

   • 8

     Spray onto a soft cloth and apply to mahogany furniture.

   • 9

     Polish wood with a chamois cloth.