You are here:

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/CLEANING OLD MAPLE TABLE

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/31/2008


Question
hOW DO I CLEAN A MAPLE TABLE?  iT IS A STICKLEY MAPLE TABLE MADE IN 1977 AND NOT CARED FOR.  THERE SEEMS TO BE BUILT UP GRIME, PAINT MARKS AND STAINS   hOE DO I CLEAN IT SO THAT IT IS USEABLE?

Answer
Hi Nora
Nice to hear from you.
Easy to do.
Get a small can of Mineral spirits (varsol in Canada).
Get a box of fine Bulldog steel wool pads (not SOS).
Dip the pad in the mineral spirits and give the table a good scrub.
Work with the grain.
Dry as you go with clean rags.
You will be amazed at the dirt this takes off.
Then follow with a nice polish.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.