Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/23/2009

Question
Hi,

My mom has a beautiful solid cherry dining room set. It gets humid in the summer, and there is a tremendous amount of build-up on the surfaces -- everything is very sticky (she has used polish, Old English, etc.). How can this build-up be removed without ruining the finish?

Thanks,
Ann

Answer
Hi Ann
Nice to hear from you.
This is a very common thing to happen and its easily fixed with a little elbow grease.
Get a quart can of mineral spirits and a box of fine Bulldog steel wool pads at the hardware.
Dip the steel wool in the spirits (pour some into an old container),and use it to scrub the furniture.
It will take a few passes but all the guck will come off.
Dry with clean rags as you go.
When the rags no longer get dirty, your furniture is clean. Follow this with a nice polish. Use a polish that is silicone free.
Ann your Moms furniture will be restored to its original beauty.
Great question
Kind Regards
Eileen