It’s recommended that you dust easy-to-reach areas once a month; and dust higher or more challenging areas every three to six months. However, did you know that the commercial furniture polish you most probably reach for often contains harsh chemicals? And that commercial polishes are actually detrimental to your furniture? They can cause a build-up of waxy residue, making furniture pieces look dull over time.
With this in mind, why not make your own DIY cleaning product using olive oil and lemon juice? It’s a simple DIY solution — we promise — that will naturally clean and shine your furniture. Plus, it’s much cheaper than store-bought polish!
While making a DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice is relatively simple, many people struggle with the ratio of ingredients, and how much to use for different sized surfaces. You may also be unaware of the cautions that should be taken when mixing and using these ingredients, such as wearing protective gloves or avoiding contact with skin.
Without the right knowledge and information, DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice can be difficult to make correctly and safely — don’t let this deter you. We’re here to talk you through the process!
Understanding the difficulties of making DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to make your own furniture polish, along with tips for safe storage and usage. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Using Olive Oil and Lemon Juice for Furniture Polish
Olive oil and lemon juice are natural ingredients that have been used for centuries to clean and polish furniture. Not only do they smell great, but they also work wonderfully together to create a brilliant shine without the use of harsh chemicals.
Olive oil is an excellent conditioner that will restore luster, while lemon juice and vinegar are mild abrasives that remove dirt and grime. These ingredients are also incredibly affordable, making it easy to make your own furniture polish without breaking the bank — you most probably already have them in your kitchen.
When combined with a few other household items, olive oil and lemon juice can provide a great all-natural solution for cleaning and polishing furniture. Plus, you know exactly what’s going on your furniture, so you can be sure it’s safe and non-toxic — this is especially important if you have kids or pets in the home as indoor air quality isn’t compromised and surfaces will be safe for little hands!
With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a natural and cost-effective DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice.
Important Considerations Before Making Your Own Furniture Polish
Before you start making your own furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice, it’s important to take a few key considerations into account.
- Firstly, make sure the wooden surface of the furniture is clean before applying the polish. This will ensure that any dirt or grime does not become sealed in the wood.
- Secondly, test a small area of the furniture to ensure it does not suffer any discolouration from the polish. Oil-based cleaners are not appropriate for some surfaces, taking granite countertops as an example.
- Lastly, keep in mind that olive oil will make wood surfaces slippery, so use caution when using the mixture on furniture such as chairs or tables.
These considerations are important for ensuring a successful DIY experience with your own homemade furniture polish. Now, let’s move on to the steps for making your own furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice.
How to Make DIY Furniture Polish With Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Making your own furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice is easy to do and doesn’t require any special equipment — just follow these three simple steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
Combine all of your ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix until they are fully combined. If you have a blender or food processor, you can use this to mix the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Apply the Furniture Polish
Once your furniture polish is ready, apply it to the surface of your furniture using a soft cloth. Gently rub the polish in a circular motion and allow it to sit for several minutes before wiping it off.
Make sure to use caution when applying the polish, as olive oil and lemon juice can make wood surfaces slippery.
Tips for Using DIY Furniture Polish
Here are some tips for using your DIY furniture polish safely and effectively:
- Always test a small area of the furniture before applying the polish to ensure it won’t discolour or damage the wood.
- Keep the polish away from heat and direct sunlight, as this can cause it to spoil faster — it is made using consumables, afterall.
- Make sure to use a soft cloth when applying the polish, as rougher fabrics can scratch the surface of the furniture.
- Always wipe off any excess polish with a dry cloth after application.
These tips will help you get the most out of your DIY furniture polish and ensure it lasts longer. With these simple steps and ingredients, you can create your own natural and cost-effective furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice.
Cautions When Working with Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Vinegar
When working with these ingredients, there are a few cautions to keep in mind for safety purposes.
We recommend, as mentioned above, that you test a small area of the furniture — like the underside of a coffee table or the back of a mirror frame — before applying the polish and check for any discolouration. Secondly, wear gloves when handling these ingredients as they can be quite acidic and irritate skin and eyes.
Storage and Usage Considerations
When making your own furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice, it’s important to consider the best way to store and use the mixture.
Firstly, make sure to store the polish in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat for maximum shelf life. Secondly, if the polish has been made in bulk, be sure to use it within a few weeks as the ingredients can spoil over time. Lastly, when applying the polish to furniture, be sure to use a soft cloth after application to remove any residue. This will help prevent discolouration of the wood and ensure it looks like-new for longer.
An old mason jar is great for storing your DIY polish. A note to not put this mixture in a spray bottle, the oil will clog up the spray mechanism resulting in an unpleasant oily mess.
Take Away: Making your own furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice is a simple, cost-effective way to clean and restore the look of your furniture. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a natural solution that will make your furniture, and your home look clean, shiny and new.
A friendly reminder (again!) to test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture first, wear protective gloves, store the polish in a cool, dry place and use a soft cloth when applying the mix, and wipe off any excess after you’re done.
With these tips in mind, you can easily make your own DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice. We hope that you try out this affordable, family-friendly polish the next time your wooden furniture needs dusted!
FAQ
Q: Can olive oil and lemon juice damage furniture?
A: No, the mixture of olive oil and lemon juice is safe to use on furniture as long as it is tested in a small area before applying to the entire surface. It’s also important to use caution when applying the polish as it can make wood surfaces slippery. With this in mind, this mix isn’t ideal for wooden floors.
Q: How often should I use DIY furniture polish?
A: You should use your DIY furniture polish at least once per month for high traffic areas, like bookshelves and side tables. For harder to reach areas, like crown molding, we recommend you tend to these areas whenever you notice that it looks dull or dirty. However, be sure not to overuse the polish as this could cause discolouration of your wood surfaces.
Q: How long will my homemade furniture polish last?
A: If stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, your DIY furniture polish can last up to a few weeks. Make sure to use it within this time frame as the ingredients can spoil over time.
Q: Can I use other ingredients instead of olive oil and lemon juice?
A: Yes, you can substitute other natural ingredients such as coconut oil or vinegar for the olive oil and lemon juice when making your own furniture polish. However, be sure to check that these ingredients will not damage or discolour your furniture before using them.