Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Have you wondered how to make a homemade furniture polish recipe? Get the directions and learn how to use mineral oil to clean wood and make it shine.
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Homemade Furniture Polish Recipe
We purchased a kitchen table and chair set when the kids were younger. It’s probably close to ten years old now and has seen its share of crayons, markers, and wear.
The finish is starting to come off the top of the table in spots and it has lost its shine.
I have seen furniture polish in the store that is supposed to restore shine to worn wood but I wanted to find something without a lot of chemicals. I deiced to learn how to make furniture polish myself.
And, this homemade furniture polish recipe is the result.
After all, I’m sure my Grandmother must have polished her furniture long before there was furniture polish in spray cans at the grocery store. If you need a zero-waste furniture polish, this is a great option.
You won’t have an aerosol can to dispose of when you’re done. Look into buying the ingredients in bulk to save on waste.
Why does furniture need to be polished?
Wood loses its shine for two reasons. It gets dirty and it gets worn. Oil, smoke, dirt, and any number of other things can build up on the surface of the wood.
If it’s not removed regularly, it can create a build-up over the surface of the wood and make the wood dull.
Why should I make furniture polish?
If you use this homemade furniture polish recipe, you won’t need to worry about chemicals or aerosol cans which makes it more eco-friendly. It’s much less expensive than buying a name brand polish.
And, it should not cause any allergic responses.
How to make wood shine
Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth when you apply your polish to the wood. That ensures that you won’t leave behind fuzz or lint on the wood.
The first step is to use undiluted white vinegar on a sponge to clean your table. Vinegar is very effective at cutting grease and removing grime. Plus, it’s all-natural and non-toxic.
You can find pure lemon extract in the baking aisle in the area you would find vanilla. Do NOT buy lemon flavoring.
You need pure lemon extract which is a mixture of alcohol, water, and oil of lemon.
If you want a homemade furniture polish with essential oils, you can add a drop or two of your favorite citrus-based essential oil. An orange oil furniture polish recipe would smell amazing.
What can I use homemade furniture polish on?
You can use this on almost anything that is wood. Traditional mineral oil is toxic so you should not use it on things like cutting boards or cooking utensils.
If you want to use it on wooden cutting boards or butcher blocks, use food-grade mineral oil.
You can use it on:
- Wooden furniture
- Wooden picture frames
- Wicker baskets
- Wooden banisters
- Wooden chests
Homemade furniture polish recipe ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients and a spray bottle.
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How to make homemade furniture polish
- Mix one cup of mineral oil and three drops of pure lemon extract.
- Using a funnel, add the ingredients to a spray bottle.
- Shake carefully.
- Spray onto the wood.
- Using a microfiber towel, rub the polish into the wood until it shines. If your wood is very dry, you may need to do this twice.
- Let the oil sit on the table for five minutes.
- Gently buff the table, wiping away any excess mineral oil. The wood should be smooth to touch and not tacky or sticky.
How often should I use this?
I repeat this process about once a month. Be sure to use vinegar to remove any grease or grime from your table first.
More homemade cleaning recipes
Now that you know how to make wood shine, check out these DIYs.
I originally shared this DIY in 2013. It was updated in 2020 with better photos and more complete information.
Homemade Furniture Polish Recipe to Restore Shine
Easy homemade furniture polish recipe to restore shine to wood
Materials
- 1 cup of mineral oil
- 1 few drops of pure lemon extract
Tools
- spray bottle
- microfiber cloth
Instructions
- Mix one cup of mineral oil and three drops of pure lemon extract.
- Using a funnel, add the ingredients to a spray bottle.
- Shake carefully.
- Spray onto the wood.
- Using a microfiber towel, rub the polish into the wood until it shines. If your wood is very dry, you may need to do this twice.
- Let the oil sit on the table for five minutes.
- Gently buff the table, wiping away any excess mineral oil. The wood should be smooth to touch and not tacky or sticky.
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
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