Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/6/2008

Question
Hi. I inherited an old wardrobe. We don't really know how old it is, but our best guess so far is the turn of the century. It was definitely mass manufactured as it comes in several pieces and look like something that ships that way made to be self-assembled. The stamps on the back say that it's oak. It's been in a basement for 50 years and it's really dirty. How can I clean it? The outside is finished and the inside is not. I'm not sure what kind of finish was used. Basically I want to get some of the dirt and mildew off of it. Do you have any advice? Thanks

Kevin Taylor

Answer
Hi Kevin
Nice to hear from you.
First off get it out of the basement.
A basement is the worst place to store old furniture.
For cleaning I would first wipe off any surface dirt. Just use a dry rag.
Then get a can of mineral spirits and a box of superfine steel wool.
Use the wool as a scrubber dipped in the spirits.
Try to work with the grain of the wood.
Keep lots of rags at hand and dry as you go.
You will be amazed at the dirt this will take off.
Then you will need to evaluate the finish to see whats needed.
Could be as simple as a coat of wax.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen