Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/16/2008

Question
I have Eathen Allen cherry furniture purchased in the 1960's.  Over the years I have used various polishes on it, spray, Old English, lemon oil and who knows what all.  I didn't know how to take care of it from the beginning except to spray and wipe.  The furniture is dull.  The hutch back panel is venier I think and it has tinny cracks in it.  The table top I think has one small crack.  thanks, Karen

Answer
Hi Karen
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds to me like this set is in need of a good cleaning to remove all the stuff that has been applied since the 60's.
So get a can of mineral spirits from the hardware (sold as varsol in Canada).
Dip a rag in the spirits and wipe the table.
If the rag seems to drag a lot after a few swipes, then you will need super fine steel wool dipped in the mineral spirits and used as a gentle scrubber. Try to rub with the grain.
Dry with clean rags as you go.
You are going to be amazed at the crud that will come off.
When the rag stays clean, you know the surface is clean.
Then a nice polish.
The old English is a good choice.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen