We’re back for our second part of our series on sprucing up your furniture! Last week we gave you a good dusting formula, tips on removing candle wax, and ways to remove stuck paper, burn marks, and tape from your wood surfaces! This week we’ll cover water rings, furniture polish, and caring for vinyl upholstery.
Getting rid of water rings and spots
It’s bound to happen: A party guest doesn’t use a coaster, and her glass leaves a white ring or spots on a wood table. The unsightly marks will disappear like making if you dampen a cloth, apply a dab of toothpaste, and rub the area gently. For a stubborn spot, add a little baking soda to the toothpaste. Dry the area and then polish the surface as usual; if you’re lucky, all traces of the damage will vanish.
Homemade furniture polish
A simple polish made from two kitchen staples will leave wooden furniture with a nice shine and pleasant smell. Combine 2 1/2 cups vegetable oil with 1 1/2 cups lemon juice, mix well, and pour the solution into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Spray on finished wooden surfaces and polish with a soft cloth. Because the polish contains lemon juice, you’ll have to store it in the fridge, where it will keep for up to six months. Non-hydrogenated oil won’t congeal, so the polish will never need “thawing”.
Caring for vinyl upholstery
Though vinyl upholstery is durable, it has a weakness – body and hair oil can cause it to harden and even crack. To keep vinyl-covered furniture in good shape, clean it regularly, especially when it gets a lot of use. Dampen a cloth in water, dip it in white vinegar, and gently wipe the vinyl surfaces to cut through oils. Now add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to a bucket of water, stir well, and wash the vinyl with a soft cloth dipped into the soapy water. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry.
And that’s all for this week! We may have a part 3 coming in the next few weeks so stay tuned!