Polishing/Cleaning ornate wood tables
#1
08-16-01, 06:16 PM
We've inherited two beautiful carved wood tables that we had to secure to the wall because the marble slabs on top would topple the things. They have a bottom shelf, but the legs and vertical panel between the bottom shelf and top are intricately carved. The legs have gargoyle-like faces on them. How in the world do I polish/clean these babies other than vacuuming with brush attachment? Thanks for any eeeeeeasy advice!
#2
08-17-01, 05:12 PM
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AK:
If they're seriously dirty I would suggest using naphtha with a fingernail brush (to reach into teh carvings. Naphtha will remove dirt, oil, grease, etc., and will not harm any finish. It is highly flammable, however, so take proper precautions.
If maintenance is more what you have in mind (day to day dust, etc.), a good old fashined feather duster sprayed with Endust (spray the duster, NOT the furnisture) should do the trick.
If they're seriously dirty I would suggest using naphtha with a fingernail brush (to reach into teh carvings. Naphtha will remove dirt, oil, grease, etc., and will not harm any finish. It is highly flammable, however, so take proper precautions.
If maintenance is more what you have in mind (day to day dust, etc.), a good old fashined feather duster sprayed with Endust (spray the duster, NOT the furnisture) should do the trick.
#4
08-19-01, 06:08 PM
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You're thinking of Fels Naphtha, which is a brand name of an older (We won't mention just how much older) detergent.
Lemon oil will leave a film that attracts dirt and dust. Pledge leaves a waxy buildup that eventually needs to be removed completely (naphtha again.)
Murphy's oil soap would be my choice of the three you mentioned - it cleans and leaves a soft sheen to the piece.
I mention Endust in particular because my daughter runs a cleaning service working in both business and home environments - she swears by it. (She wouldn't have Pledge on a bet.)
Lemon oil will leave a film that attracts dirt and dust. Pledge leaves a waxy buildup that eventually needs to be removed completely (naphtha again.)
Murphy's oil soap would be my choice of the three you mentioned - it cleans and leaves a soft sheen to the piece.
I mention Endust in particular because my daughter runs a cleaning service working in both business and home environments - she swears by it. (She wouldn't have Pledge on a bet.)
