How to Clean Grime From Antique Furniture

Finding an attractive piece of antique furniture for your home at a bargain price is exciting. Often the furniture may have been stored in an old barn, dusty attic or basement area and contain years of grime. It is not difficult to clean the furniture to restore its value and beauty. The cleaning process requires inexpensive products and some time to remove the grimy residue from years of storage or neglect.

Feather duster or other dusting tool
Mineral spirits -- paint thinner
Soft, lint-free cleaning cloths
Furniture polish

Instructions

- 1
  Dust the antique furniture piece with a feather duster or other dusting tool. Be sure to remove any cobwebs or dust underneath the furniture as well.
- 2
  Pour 1/4 cup mineral spirits onto a soft, lint-free cleaning cloth.
- 3
  Rub the cloth over the antique furniture. Pay close attention to any crevices or ornate wood carvings. It is not necessary to rinse the solution.
- 4
  Switch to a clean area of the cloth once it becomes soiled and add more mineral spirits.
- 5
  Repeat the method if any grime remains.
- 6
  Polish the antique furniture with your favorite furniture polish to help restore the shine and luster.

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