Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/4/2007

Question
I am getting a set of 8 Hitchcock chairs, a dining table with leaves, a dresser, two nightstands, a chest and a mirror that were my grandmothers.  Some are brown and blue while others are all brown.  Some of the items have been stored in my parents' garage and are quite dirty.  Others were inside and are in better shape.  How do you recommend cleaning the very dirty items?  And the not-so-dirty?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Beth
Nice to hear from you.
First try the simple way with good old soap and water.
I would use Murphys soap which is made especially for wood.
If you feel the pieces are still dirty after that then use a very fine steel wool pad dipped in mineral spirits.
Simply scrub with the grain and dry with clean rags as you go.
Then a waxing.
Good luck.
Kindest Regards
Eileen