Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/29/2008

Question
Hi Eileen, I have a cedar chest that operates as my coffee table.  I usually dust it and put lemon oil on it. One week, couple days after polishing it, it began to get this white type of film on it.  I scraped at it with my finger nail but nothing listed. Since that time I have (1) cleaned it with warm water and white vinegar, (2) cleaned it with bleach and warm water, (2) lemon oiled it several times but cannot get the finish back to normal.  It looks terrible.  Any idea what it is and how to remedy it?  Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Victoria
Nice to hear from you.
I think all this is is moisture trapped between the oils and finish.
Or just a buildup of sorts.
First get all the oil off.
Use mineral spirits. First just try a rag dipped in the spirits and rub.
If that fails to remove the white, use superfine steel wool as a scrubber dipped in the spirits. Dry as you go with a clean rag.
That should remove everything down to the original finish (but not the finish LOL).
Then a nice waxing and polish.
Pick a non humid day and don't polish at any time during high humidity.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen