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Despite what advertisers would have us believe, aerosol spray polishes are not the ideal solution to caring for our furniture and especially not older and possibly more valuable pieces. Most of these products contain silicone which makes the other ingredients easier to spray. Unfortunately, in time it builds up a smeary residue on the surface of wooden furniture which dulls the finish and actually attracts and collects dust, exactly what we don't want.

The answer is to use a wax paste polish, preferably one based on bees wax and carnuba wax. The bees wax nourishes the wood and in time creates a patina whilst the carnuba wax gives a hard smear free finish and offers a degree of protection against accidental spills etc. Once the wax is applied you'll need to re-wax two or three times a year. In between all that is needed is a quick wipe over with a just damp cloth followed by a quick polish with a soft clean cloth to preserve the shine.
But first we need to get rid of that silicone from the spray polish and all the ingrained dirt which will have accumulated over the years. There are products which can be purchased which will do just that but a simple mixture of three parts white spirit to one part linseed oil will do the job just as well. The white spirit removes the wax and silicone whilst the linseed lubricates the process. Apply it with a clean soft cloth rubbing vigorously,using a second cloth to remove the sludge which will quickly appear. Keep rubbing until the surface is clean and dry. You'll be amazed at just how much dirt and grime is removed as the original finish is revealed in hopefully all its former glory.
If the revealed finish is a bit disappointing, then a reviver will restore it back to pristine condition. Again these can be bought commercially but most professional furniture restorers make up their own. There are as many recipes as there are restorers but methylated spirits, linseed oil and malt vinegar in equal parts is as good as any. Again apply with a soft clean cloth then polish with another cloth. This will remove blemishes and restore the colour of the wood. Once try apply the wax paste polish to protect the surface.

Learn more about this author, Kevin Brown.
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