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Soap can discolour cane, rush, bamboo and matting. Clean these with a strong
salt water solution instead. Greasy marks can be removed by adding a little ammonia
to the water. Remaining marks can be treated with methylated spirits
-
Antique
polish- fill a container with grated beeswax and top up with turprentine.
Stand for four weeks and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil( optional) stir
to form a thin paste. Apply and polish with a clean soft cloth.
-
If a
chair seat is being cleaned, both sides should be washed to make it shrink
evenly and remove the sag.
-
Furniture
polish: 250ml raw linseed oil with 125ml each of turpentine, vinegar and
methylated spirits mixed well together.
-
The juice of a ripe tomato removes ink stains from
furniture.
-
Leather furniture should be cleaned with two parts
linseed oil and one part vinegar. To brighten leather use the white of an
egg and rub with a soft dry cloth.
-
Oak furniture is cleaned best by warm beer.
-
For greasy furniture use a solution of 1 tablespoon
borax and warm water to wash.
-
White enamel furniture can be cleaned by mixing a
teaspoonful of salt with spirits of turpentine, then rinse of with soapy
water.
-
Cane needs 1 teaspoonful of salt with a liter of
water or equal quantities of lemon juice and water. Dry well.
-
Varnished woodwork responds well to a strong tea
mixture.
-
Gilt needs to be rubbed with lemon then sponged
with a mixture of 1/2 l water and 5ml bicarb. Dry carefully and shine with a
chamois.
-
Drawer can be made to run easily by rubbing the
grooves with soap or floor wax or beeswax.
