Natural Wood Polish & Conditioner

Nourish and shine wood furniture naturally. Conditions wood while removing dust and light scratches.

Prep Time 2 minutes
Yield 1/2 cup
Difficulty Easy
Cost $0.75

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup White vinegar
  • 10 drops Lemon essential oil (For scent and extra cleaning)
Safe for: sealed wood, finished wood furniture, wood cabinets
Avoid on: unsealed wood, unfinished wood, waxed surfaces

Why This Recipe Works

Olive oil nourishes and conditions wood, preventing it from drying out and cracking. It fills in fine scratches, making them less visible. Vinegar gently cleans the surface without damaging the finish. The lemon oil adds a fresh scent and extra cleaning power.

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: Mix olive oil and vinegar in a small jar or bowl. Add lemon essential oil.

  2. Shake or stir well: The oil and vinegar will separate, so mix thoroughly before each use.

  3. Apply sparingly: Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and wring out excess. You want a lightly dampened cloth, not a wet one.

  4. Wipe with the grain: Rub the polish into the wood, following the direction of the grain.

  5. Buff to shine: Using a clean, dry cloth, buff the surface to a shine. Remove any excess oil.

Tips & Variations

  • For scratches: Apply a bit more oil to scratched areas and let sit 10 minutes before buffing.
  • Dark wood: Add a drop of dark walnut oil for enhanced color on dark woods.
  • Dusting: For regular dusting, use just a tiny amount on your dust cloth.
  • Leather too: This mixture also works great on leather furniture.

Safety Notes

  • Test first: Always test on a hidden area, especially on antiques.
  • Don’t use on unsealed wood: Oil can absorb unevenly into raw wood.
  • Avoid waxed surfaces: This can create a gummy buildup on waxed finishes.
  • Use sparingly: Too much oil leaves a sticky residue that attracts dust.

Storage

Store in a jar with a tight lid. Shake well before each use as ingredients separate. Use within 1 month.

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