We put cream on our skin to prevent dryness and to rehydrate it, right? It’s the same with wooden furniture.
Timber furniture should be treated to an annual application of lemon oil or other cream polish to nourish the wood and rehydrate it. Lemon oil on furniture is a time-tested remedy for dry wood and does a great job of nourishing and protecting furniture and restoring its natural lustre. It will also help remove stains and prevent cracking.
Many different brands of wood polish and furniture oil are available commercially these days, but beware of buying any that contain silicon or solvents as these can be harmful to the wood. Some people don’t even look at the commercial brands – they choose to make their own. In fact, it’s simple, easy and very cost-effective.
Here’s an old-fashioned recipe for lemon oil:
· First mix 250ml (one cup) of oil (either olive, mineral or vegetable oil) with 125 ml pulp-free lemon juice.
· Combine well in a spray bottle.
Don’t waste money on buying expensive olive oil, as the cheap ones work just as well.
Making your own furniture oil or timber polish has many benefits – it’s inexpensive, chemical-free, allergy free and environmentally friendly.
To apply the wood oil, firstly dust the surfaces with a soft cloth or feather duster to get rid of any accumulated grit and dust. Then take a clean, dry cloth and spray or pour about a tablespoon (15ml) of lemon oil onto it, before wiping the wooden surfaces with it. Don’t ever spray the oil directly onto the furniture. Should the wood still look a little dry, a second coat should be applied.
Couldn’t your furniture do with a makeover with some lemon oil for wood?
