How to Clean an Antique Cherry Table

Although you should never refinish a piece of antique furniture unless it is unsalvageable otherwise, it is important to clean it. A gentle cleaning removes decades of grime and dirt and brings out the beauty of the furniture--whether it be cherry, oak, walnut or some other type of wood. In addition, a good cleaning followed by a proper waxing protects antique furniture for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Apply a wax cleaner, like Liberon Wax and Polish Remover or Weiman Wax Away, according to the manufacturers directions. Wax cleaners are available from hardware stores and some antique furniture stores. Often dust and grime isnt cleaned away before furniture is polished, which eventually leads to a dirty, dingy look. Removing old wax will remove the dust and grime clinging to it.

2

Wash the wood with liquid dishwashing soap, warm water and a sponge, cleaning one small area at a time. Do not saturate the wood; use as dry a sponge as possible while still cleaning away any oil remaining on the furniture. If the water beads up, there is still wax remaining on the wood and youll need to go back to step one.

3

Dry each area youve washed promptly with a clean, dry cloth.

4

Allow the surface of the wood to dry completely.

5

Touch up the finish, if necessary, using a cherry-colored stain pen (found at hardware stores). Alternatively, wipe a product like Restor-A-Finish onto the wood with a soft cloth. It may take several applications before Restor-A-Finish fully covers over scratches or water-stained areas.

6

Allow the touch-ups to completely dry.

7

Apply one coat of wax (such as Goddard's Cabinetmakers Wax), following the manufacturers instructions. This will seal in your touch-ups and offers protection to the wood.

8

Apply a second coat of wax.