Inside: An all-natural recipe for a wood polish and conditioner; perfect for polishing wood furniture and wood floors.
Once upon a time, I created my own DIY Floor Cleaner, and it was SO easy and SO effective that I said to myself, “Erin, why the HECK are you using store-bought wood furniture polish?! Surely I can make that, too!” And I did. And it was awesome. And now you can, too!
First, just let me say, that as soon as I began to research what is in commercial furniture polish, I discovered that they all contain silicone to balance the impact of some of the other stronger ingredients.
Buuuut here’s the thing. Dust, dirt, and humidity cling to silicone, which bonds with itself, meaning that every time you apply it you are effectively layering it on top of itself and trapping the guck in between!! Ummmmm EW?!
So over time, your wood furniture just looks dull and gross. And doesn’t that seem like the opposite effect that polish should have? The key to healthy, happy, sheen-y wood is to moisturize. Wood will fade and crack when it’s dry, and this silicone surface layer doesn’t even moisturize your wood, it just sits on top.
How do you moisturize dry wood furniture?
Nourish your thirsty wood with oil to get that glorious lustre. This is especially true for an inexpensive wood like pine. However, do keep in mind that you can overdo it. If too much oil is absorbed, it will cause the wood to swell. Certain types of wax can be used instead of oil if this is a concern.
What oil is best for wood furniture?
Oil permeates wood, replenishing natural oils that are often lost over time through exposure and general use. A good oiling can revive the wood’s natural colour and really liven up the piece.
Most oils are safe to use on wood, but it’s always important when making your own natural products to be mindful of what will go bad. Making smaller batches at a time can help to prevent these issues, but choosing the right oil is key. Mineral oil or baby oil are non-perishable options, but they are petroleum products and are not organic or sustainable.
Liquid wax jojoba oil will never go rancid, making it an excellent choice, but walnut oil or a cheap olive oil will also do nicely. Virgin and extra-virgin olive oil will expire, so the cheaper the better! (Cha-ching!)
Is coconut oil good for furniture polish?
Gaining in popularity over the past decade for an astonishing variety of uses is the crowd favourite, coconut oil. Well, add furniture polish to the list! Coconut oil will moisturize, revitalize, and naturally protect wood from water damage.
Coconut oil can spoil, but it has one of the longest shelf lives of any cooking oil on the market. “Refined” coconut oil will last longer than “unrefined” coconut oil (also labelled “virgin,” or “cold-pressed”) because the refining process uses high temperatures and chemicals to extract the oil, which filters out most perishable matter. Unrefined coconut oil is pure and natural and therefore will eventually go bad, but not fast enough to be troublesome for polishing furniture.
Can I use vinegar to clean wood furniture?
Vinegar is safe for wood and a mild disinfectant. It is a great choice for cutting through grease and grime on wood furniture. Use white vinegar, as apple cider vinegar contains pest-attracting pectin. Dilute 1:3 with warm water and wipe dry after use.
Can I use lemon juice to clean wood furniture?
Lemon juice is also safe for wood and a mild disinfectant. It adds a lovely scent, and helps to stop plant-based oils from going bad. Lemon juice can have bleaching properties in the sun, however, so do be cautious when using it on darker furniture that lives in a sunny space!
Can I use essential oil on my wood furniture?
Yes! Choose any scent that you enjoy. Lavender essential oil meshes well with lemon juice for a lovely, subtle clean scent. No more than 3-4 drops of oil are needed for a small batch of polish. I’ve done some good deodorizing using essential oils too – check out this amazing recipe for an air freshener I did with lavender. YUMMM…
How do you make homemade furniture polish?
To make your wood furniture really glow, follow these quick and easy steps:
DIY Wood Floor Polish Recipe
Make your own DIY furniture polish to keep your wood furniture moisturized and shiny.
Materials
- 1⁄4 Cup Liquid wax jojoba oil,
- melted unrefined coconut oil, walnut oil, or inexpensive olive oil
- 4 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tsp lemon juice
- 4 Drops essential oil in your scent of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Mix: Add all ingredients to a mason jar, cover, and shake well.
- Clean: Dry dust, then remove any sticky residue or silicone buildup using a 1:3 mixture of vinegar and warm water with a few drops of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Use a soft brush to scrub against the grain. Rinse immediately with plain water and buff dry.Tip - When you can feel the grain of the wood with your fingers, you’ve removed all of the buildup!
- Prep: Treat any water stains or scratches before polishing.
- Polish: Lightly dip the corner of a soft, lint-free cloth (flannel or microfiber) into your polish. Going with the grain, rub the mixture into the wood. Leave it for 15 minutes, then buff to a cloud-free shine in wide circles with a soft, dry cloth
Notes
This all-natural, food-safe recipe may also be used to rejuvenate wooden cutting boards, dishes, or cooking utensils!
This polish also works well to revitalize wood furniture after sanding. Simply sand, wash with warm soapy water and let dry, then follow above steps 4-5 to polish. But please note, oil and polish cannot be easily covered with varnishes or paint.
And all the beautiful wood furniture lived happily ever after. The end!
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