How to Clean Oil Finished Furniture

Oil finishes protect wood from surface damages and enhance its natural color, texture and sheen. Exposure to dust and dirt particles causes oil-finished wood furniture pieces to eventually become dingy and dull. Regularly cleaning oil-finished furniture removes abrasive grime and debris that can scratch and mar the wood surfaces. Oil-finished wood furniture can retain its natural aesthetic appeal for years with proper maintenance. Clean and restore oil-finished furniture using certain supplies and techniques.

Rubber gloves
1 cup gum turpentine
1 cup boiled linseed oil
1/3 cup white vinegar
Clean container
Wire whisk
2 microfiber rags
Hot, soapy water

Instructions

- 1
  Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands. Open every window in the room to avoid inhaling strong fumes from the cleaning solution.
- 2
  Combine 1 cup of gum turpentine, 1 cup of boiled linseed oil and 1/3 cup of white vinegar in a clean container. Thoroughly mix the solution with a wire whisk.
- 3
  Dampen a microfiber rag in the solution. Wring out all excess liquid from the rag.
- 4
  Rub the damp cloth in circular motions over the furniture to work the solution into the wood's pores. Follow the direction of the wood grain. Continue to apply the solution until the furniture has an even coat.
- 5
  Allow the solution to absorb into the wood for five minutes.
- 6
  Wipe the furniture with a clean microfiber rag to remove all excess solution. Follow the direction of the wood grain.
- 7
  Wash the microfiber rags with hot, soapy water to remove all solution. Rinse the rags with fresh water and allow them to thoroughly air dry before storing.

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