Do not let oil stains or deposits become a defining feature of the timber furniture pieces inside your home. If you let these deposits sit on wood furniture, they could leave a residue that could damage the wood’s end. Oily deposits — even those left from furniture polishes — also turned into a magnet for dirt, debris and dust, which complicates the issue. Even popular wood cleaners, often derived from oil products, can leave oils that linger until you eliminate them.
White Vinegar
Some of the most powerful and safest cleaning agents are already in your home. Vinegar — a feeble form of acetic acid — cuts oil and dirt and doubles as a sanitizer without leaving any film or residue. Mix equal parts of hot water with white vinegar in a small bowl and apply into the timber using a soft, clean cloth. Do not saturate the fabric with the alternative; instead just dampen it to reduce the potential of exposing the timber to excess moisture. Replace the fabric as needed during the cleanup procedure to ensure that none of those eliminated oil and dirt makes its way back into the furniture. Finish by completely drying with a clean cloth.
Dish Detergent
Mild dish detergent offers among the gentlest ways to eliminate oily residues from timber furniture. To get a fast cleaning alternative, include a generous amount of clear dish soap into a little bowl of hot water. Stir the mixture to make suds in the detergent; employ only the suds into a wash cloth. You do not need to immerse the fabric entirely in the mix because the suds already include the right proportion of soap and water. Scrub the soapsuds into the affected region of the timber, then wipe clean with a second, slightly moist cloth to remove the soap plus any oil and dirt. Buff dry with a clean cloth.
Mineral Spirits
Artists, cabinetmakers and craftspeople often use mineral spirits to thin paints or stains. Even though it can sound as though it may be too harsh for timber, when used conservatively, it safely eliminates the buildup of oils out of furniture. Make sure to operate in a properly ventilated setting before lightly dampening a clean fabric using a quarter-sized dab of mineral spirits. Spray the fabric over little parts at a time, being careful not to saturate the wood. Do not let mineral spirits pool on wood furniture, as it can damage the finish.
Protecting the Wood
As soon as you’ve cleaned the furniture, add a protective coating to restore the end’s unique shine. Lay a quarter-sized dab of paste wax or bee’s wax on a cloth and use it to the wood furniture. Spray the fabric in circular motions to evenly disperse the wax and work it into the wood. Work in tiny sections at a time, until the surface is coated. Complete the procedure by buffing the surface using a clean cloth, again working in tiny segments with circular motions. This adds a protective layer so that any spills or oil stains do not penetrate the wood.