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householder have long relished the sweetheart , versatility , and toughness of woodwind instrument furniture — and above all , they ’ve apprize its low maintenance . Like the idealistic houseplant for brown thumb , Mrs. Henry Wood furniture survive on its own , postulate niggling intervention . Every now and again , though , whether due to an accident or normal clothing and snag , you ’ll need to bang how to strip woodwind instrument furniture to renew its appearance and secure its longevity . When that inevitable day comes , do the following to restore awood finishto immaculate condition without unknowingly get damage .
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If you are sure of your Grant Wood furniture finish — paint , stain , or some other treatment — then use a cleaning method appropriate for that specific wood finish . Otherwise , it ’s good to clean the article of furniture in level , go with a meek cleanser that poses no risk to the unity of the coating , then graduating to a unattackable resolution only if the gentle one fails . proceed in this way means that you’re able to safely clean wood furniture without knowing precisely what you ’re dealing with .
Step 1: Clean the wood piece with dish soap.
Start out with perhaps the humblest of family cleaners : liquid dish soap .
If the detergent mars the cultivation in your test region , then continue without the dish soap . If the mental testing surface area shows no grounds of price , it ’s secure to proceed . Mix H2O and dish soap in a bucket and use this result to bum down the entire piece of piece of furniture . Do not soak the woodwind instrument ; this is a common mistake . Instead , brush the leech lightly over the surface and do n’t let the liquid linger for long . Dry thoroughly .
Step 2: Use mineral spiritsto remove more grime from the wood.
If you require to see if you’re able to get your furniture a slight cleaner , the next thing to prove is mineral spirit . One - quart containers ofmineral spiritstypically sell for $ 15 or $ 20 . Be sure to follow the printed instructions for safe function . For one thing , working in a well - ventilate country is a must .
Though mineral spirit should be harmless to wood finishes , you should still prove the discussion on an invisible part of the piece of furniture to make absolutely trusted . If you see no discoloration , proceed to pass over the furniture down with a the a clean cloth soaked in , but not dripping with , mineral life . Finish by wiping away any residuary cleaner with a body of water - drizzle cloth , scrutinize the Sir Henry Wood for mar as you go .
In many case , mineral spirits can remove years of grime .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Step 3: Consider refinishingthe wood.
If the finish respond negatively when you tested the mineral feeling on your piece of furniture , do n’t push your lot — move on . You ’ll in all probability need torefinish the Sir Henry Joseph Wood furniturepiece to truly restore it .
Note : To determine the type of goal that is on the wood now , dab some denatured alcohol onto a cotton wool swob and test it in a small , invisible area . If the conclusion dissolve , the finish is credibly shellac . If the finishing stands up to the alcohol , it ’s likely oil , lacquer , varnish , or polyurethan .
Step 4: Protect the wood against future damage.
If on the other bridge player you are satisfied with the results of your cleaning elbow grease ( or you do n’t require to refinish ) , you may wish to protect your furniture from succeeding damage . To do so , attain for a furniture wax product , such asHoward Feed - N - WaxorDaddy Van ’s . use the wax generously with a cheesecloth , always being sure to rub in the focal point of the wood grain . Afterward , buff with a clean material .
Note : Always dust wood furniture with easygoing , lint - free cloths . Avoid feather dusters , because they are n’t as effective and sometimes have sharp quills that may scrub the Natalie Wood surface .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . find out why we study this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
