Joanna asked: How do I remove the sticky residue from my oak kitchen table? I've had this table for over ten years, and over time, a sticky residue has started to develop. What can I do?
WHY IS MY WOODEN TABLE STICKY?
A sticky surface typically comes from an accumulation of dirt, cooking grease and grime. Another possibility is from the buildup of furniture polish, especially waxes or oils.
Fortunately, it's usually enough to give it a good clean without having to strip and refinish the surface of your table. Here's how...
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Water
White vinegar
Bucket & Cup
Sponge
Microfiber cloth & soft cloth
Wringing out a microfiber cloth
WHAT TO DO:
Start by wiping the table with a microfiber cloth to grab as much dust as possible. Be sure to rinse and dry out the fabric afterwards as we'll be using it again.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a cup. The acidic solution helps remove sticky residue and worn out varnish from your table.
Dip your sponge into the solution and start wiping down the table completely. Avoid scrubbing with too much pressure as it will leave scratch marks on the surface of your table.
Repeat as necessary to remove the buildup. Have a bucket of water handy to wipe down the solution right after.
Make sure to dry out the wood table to ensure that the moisture doesn't eventually damage the wood.
Pro tip:
You can use a toothbrush or cotton swab to clean through any hard-to-reach gaps in the wood and crevices.
STILL FEEL A BUILDUP?
If the above method doesn't obliterate the sticky buildup, we recommend using the following method:
Bunning's "how to restore wooden furniture" will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to bring your wood furniture back to looking like it's brand new.
WRAPPING UP
Congratulations! You now know how to clean up sticky surfaces from your wooden furniture.
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