DIY All Natural Wood Cleaner
This DIY all natural wood cleaner is just three ingredients and works like a charm. Simple, effective cleaning for a healthier home.
When I first began my search to make my natural cleaners, I was weary of their effectiveness of them. Furthermore, I didn’t want them damaging or leaving a terrible residue on my antique furniture. The wood in our home is mostly from antique stores or precious family heirlooms that I hope to preserve for my daughter.
My grandmother’s bookshelf is an item that is irreplaceable to me and one that came to me in great condition. The thought of spraying something damaging on the surface or creating a dull shine was worrisome. As with anything you take your chances. If you have something of special value to you, make sure you test in an inconspicuous area before fully committing to any cleaner. And yes, this includes this one.You just never know. Not all wood can be treated the same.
For me, this has worked wonders in our house for dust days and my very special pieces of wood furniture are kept in tip top shape.
How To Tutorial
DIY Wood Cleaner Is…
- Great for most wooden furniture and made with natural ingredients so its free from harsh chemicals.
A simple recipe for a homemade polish and a great way to begin using homemade cleaners. - One of my favorite homemade cleaning products that I make in small batches.
- Perfect for dipping a dry cloth or soft cloth into for dusting and polishing.
- A good one to use on solid wood pieces that need a little shine.
Ingredients
Vinegar- use distilled vinegar for this. It is fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Vinegar will help provide a natural cleaning agent.
Olive Oil- you can pure or extra virgin. It doesn’t matter the type. Olive oil shines up wood surfaces beautifully.
Essential Oil- I like to add lemon essential oil to my homemade wood polish. It provides a nice scent and a boost of cleaning powder.
Directions
In a bowl combine the vinegar, olive oil, and essential oil. Stir well to make sure it combines completely. Use a funnel to pour the cleaning solution into a mason or storage jar.
Tips
Prior to each use, make sure to shake vigorously ensuring that the mixture is properly combined. It is a good idea to spot test small sections of any wood surface by dabbing a clean cloth and wiping a small amount on to the surface to see the effects before applying it to the entire piece. This is a natural wood furniture polish and I would not suggest using it on wooden floors as it can make the surface too slick.
How To Use
Dip a towel or microfiber cloth into the solution. In a circular motion rub the polish into the wood. Remember a little goes a long way. Wipe off any excess polish by rubbing a clean cloth over.
Where to Store
This should be stored in a cool dry place such as a cleaning cabinet or hall closet. If stored properly this DIY natural wood cleaner should last for up to 6. Note that since we are adding essential oil to the cleaner, they may go rancid after this period. Be sure to do a smell check before using if the cleaner has been stored for a long period.
Why Use Natural Cleaners?
It is not a secret that most, if not, all of our store shelf cleaners are made up of toxins. Chemicals, and harsh detergents not only omit unhealthy particles into the air we breathe. But also leave behind a residue of them on our furniture, bedding, etc.
Each time we spray these types of cleaners we are inviting more of them into our homes. Using natural cleaners is a way to combat this issue and bring about a healthier environment in our homes. They are safe, effective, and simple to make and will give you peace of mind that you are doing something good for your space.
Lemon Essential Oil
The use of lemon essential oil in this recipe is not just for the lemony fresh scent it provides. But lemon essential oil acts as a natural disinfectant while helping to achieve a streak-free shine. Using just a few drops of lemon essential oil can help soften the scent of vinegar in this homemade wood cleaner recipe. You can also use orange essential oil if you prefer the scent of orange peels.
Whats nice about using essential oil in any homemade products you make is that it helps to create a scent that is similar to other store-bought cleaners so you don’t have to sacrifice the clean scent we all love.
Olive Oil
One of my very favorite things to keep in our home. Olive oil is not just for cooking but also for skin care and cleaning. Yes, cleaning! Olive oil works to bring out the wood’s natural shine and helps nourish the wood.
Vinegar
White vinegar is quite underrated. This is one of those natural solutions that can be used anywhere in the house and helps to clean without the need for heavy scrubbing. The use of vinegar in this natural cleaner is to allow the sanitation and proper cleaning of the wood. Leaving behind a clean, sanitary, and polished surface.
FAQ
What is the shelf life for this?
If stored in a proper container in a cool dry place this cleaning solution should have about a year shelf life. This will also depend on the quality of olive oil you use and its age of it. Throw out any solutions that smell rancid or you think have gone bad.
Can I use other essential oils for this?
Yes! Sweet orange is a great one to sub out. I have also used a citrus blend as well. During the winter months, I have added a bit of pine to mine to create that pine fresh wintery smell. I do still add about 6 drops of lemon for the cleaning power when adding in an extra few drops of pine.
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My Favorite Lemon Essential Oil
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DIY All Natural Wood Cleaner
An easy wood cleaner that is made with natural products.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 distilled white vinegar
- 12 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the vinegar, olive oil and essential oil.
- Stir well with a fork to make sure it combines completely.
- Use a funnel to pour the cleaning solution in.
- **Prior to each use, make sure to shake vigorously ensuring that the mixture is properly combined.
Notes
- Prior to each use, make sure to shake vigorously ensuring that the mixture is properly combined.
- It is a good idea to spot test small sections of any wood surface by dabbing a clean cloth and wiping a small amount on to the surface to see the effects before applying it to the entire piece.
- This is a natural wood furniture polish and I would not suggest using it on wooden floors as it can make the surface too slick.
- Store in a dark glass spray bottle or mason jar.
