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How to Easily clean Wood with just 2 ingredients

July 23, 2017 by boondocks 77 Comments

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For about four years now I have been cleaning my wood furniture with a very simple mixture.  I’m not even sure where I found this  but it has worked wonders for me. I’ve used it on the showcase table and on the drawer and stool repurposed as a small table. 

But I have never really shared it with all of you, not properly. Today I am going to correct that and show you how to easily clean wood with just 2 ingredients. A great way to upcycle items!

Jar of oil and vinegar mixture and wood pieces, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com

Ingredients:

One part olive oil 
One part vinegar
​
olive oil, vinegar and a jar, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com

The how to:

Simply pour the olive oil and vinegar into a jar and shake!  No we are not making salad dressing.  When you are ready to apply, just dip a clean peace of cotton cloth into the mixture and rub it onto the wood. 

Below you can see a section of a wooden miniature sailboat. This is before I added the mixture. 
​

wood miniature sailboat, before, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
I simply rub it into the wood, wait a few minutes for it soak in and then wipe off the excess.   It is that easy. 
​
wood miniature sailboat, after mixture, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
Another example with an old piece of wood that was looking pretty thirsty. 
​
A piece of wood, before, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
After you can actually see some color on the wood piece. 
​
A piece of wood, after applying mixture, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
This is my friend’s headboard.  As you can see it was looking pretty dull.  We had discussed adding stain or paint to liven it up…
​
headboard before, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
In the end she went with the oil and vinegar mixture. Yes, that’s all it took to revive the tired wood. See how fresh and alive it looks now. 
​
Headboard and bed, after treatment with mixture, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links and link to Amazon.com. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content.  There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.
​​​
Even an ikea wooden cutlery caddy looks better after this treatment. 
​
wooden cutlery caddy with mixture, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
It serves two purposes, it cleans the dirt and grime off the wood…
wooden picture frame, before, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
While at the same time giving moisture to the thirsty wood!  And a nice shine to boot.
​ 
Wooden picture frame, after, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
Did I mention that it environmentally friendly?  No one wants to be using chemicals and strange products on their precious wood!
Oil and vinegar mixture in a jar, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
And there you have it!

A cleaner and rejuvenator, and an easy way to upcycle your wooden items all in one small jar.  Using the most humble ingredients!

And speaking of upcycling this little blog has been included in the Top 100 Upcycling Blogs list compiled by Feedspot!  I am truly humbled to be in such great company.  Go check it out and discover some new blogs!

Oil and vinegar mixture in a jar, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients www.theboondocksblog.com
And that is my simple tip for how to easily clean wood with just 2 ingredients. To keep them clean and rejuvenated.  

​Have  you ever used this “salad dressing” method or do you use other natural products to clean your wood?

A mixture of oil and vinegar as a cleaner and rejuvenator of wood, How to Easily Clean Wood with Just 2 Ingredients, www.theboondocksblog.com

​If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest.  Above is a Pinterest worthy image!

​If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and your e-mail will never be shared with a third party.

Picture
Wood Projects:
Pieces of a Table

The Showcase Table

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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.​

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Filed Under: Furniture, Picture Frames, Repair, Uncategorized, Up Cycle, Wood

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katrin

    July 23, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Oh I have that in my kitchen! So good to know Mary, Thank you for sharing your recipe with us. The wood looks so much better and I can´t believe it just takes these two yummy ingredients!

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 24, 2017 at 11:22 am

      Right? I was flabbergasted when I first tried it Katrin. So easy to make and it really works.

      Reply
  2. Michelle Leslie

    July 24, 2017 at 6:08 am

    My mom always uses olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to polish her pieces and they look amazing. Sadly we don’t have a lemon tree and I don’t always have lemons, so I’ll definitely be trying your recipe Mary. Nothing cuts through grime quite like vinegar 😉

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 24, 2017 at 11:23 am

      It’s the perfect combination Michelle. And afterwards the furniture looks almost brand new.

      Reply
  3. [email protected]

    July 24, 2017 at 7:56 am

    The olive oil works a bit like mineral,oil, while the vinegar helps clean things up. Olive oil is pricey here in the states (I imagine in Greece it’s more affordable) so I try to stick with mineral oil. Lemon works well too if vinegar isn’t handy.
    We have a little boat like that too. )
    xxx

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 24, 2017 at 11:24 am

      Doreen you are absolutely right about the price of olive oil in the States. And don’t get me started on Feta cheese. But I digress, mineral oil would be a great substitute for the wood, although not for a salad! 😉

      Reply
  4. Nancy Andres

    July 24, 2017 at 7:59 am

    I’ve been using olive oil for a few years now and happy with that. I love the way the wood looks in your pictures so may try your combo the next time for cleaning the wood in my house. Thanks for the great idea that I pinned.

    Reply
    • Mary

      July 24, 2017 at 11:26 am

      Thank you Nancy. The vinegar really helps to cut the dirt and grime.

      Reply
  5. Marjan Hoebeke-Pfaff

    July 24, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Isn’t it odd: a century ago it was still normal to use the things one had in the kitchen for cleaning etc. Then, all of a sudden, after the war, those “simple” and “normal” things weren’t any good anymore. Thank you for sharing, dear Mary! We’ve lost touch with those basics, with the simple things of life. Isn’t that sad?

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 3, 2017 at 1:29 am

      Your comment is so true and goes to the heart of the matter Marjan. We have been brainwashed into thinking chemicals are better.

      Reply
  6. Kim

    July 24, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Love your polishing mix, Mary, I have been using the same for years with a little bit of lemon juice squeezed in for good measure. Much better than all those chemicals. And congrats on your feature!! Clearly, they have very good taste!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:33 pm

      Thanks so much Kim. I am really happy with it and it was such an easy solution.

      Reply
  7. Marie

    July 24, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    I’ve always used Murphy’s Oil Soap but I’m anxious to try you less expensive version. Thanks for the tip, Mary! Pinned to refer back to.

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Anything that can save us money is a winner in my book! Let me know what you think.

      Reply
  8. Debrashoppeno5

    July 24, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    I do use white cleaning vinegar for mopping so I will need to add this to my cleaning routine. It really does rejuvenate the wood doesn’t it?

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:38 pm

      I also use vinegar for mopping even if it smells funny. Yes it does because of the oil.

      Reply
  9. Carolann

    July 24, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    I love that day bed, Mary. What a great tip! I will be sure to try this on the next piece I have to clean!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:39 pm

      I know you will love it when you try it. The transformation is dramatic.

      Reply
  10. Florence

    July 24, 2017 at 6:54 pm

    I am really impressed! I’m going to try it b/c I have something right now that needs cleaning. In fact, it’s in my latest post, so when you go to look at it…guess which piece I’m talking about. Now how’s that for a hard quiz?? I can’t believe you haven’t shared your cleaning recipe yet. But it looks like that wood just soaks it right up.
    Do you use this recipe if you’re planning on painting something too?

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      If you want to clean it I guess you can use it before but wait a few days before painting. The wood should have some time to soak in the oil.

      Reply
  11. Jeanie Croope

    July 24, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Mary, I never would have thought of the vinegar. Maybe the olive oil but never the vinegar. It looks great and makes all sorts of sense.
    Thanks for coming by the Gypsy. I do love your comments — but I am quite serious when I say that art fair was the worst ever. I’ve seen things in high school gyms by moms and students that are infinitely better!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      The vinegar really cleans the wood and combined with the oil it adds moisture to the wood. Just like a salad dressing.
      I hope you find some nicer art fairs to get the bad taste out of your mouth. I hope that is an appropriate phrase, don’t want to get myself into trouble.

      Reply
  12. Maria Brittis

    July 24, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    This is perfect for my doors that are so dirty from all the work we have been doing for my room above the garage.
    Thanks for this recipe! I read your post a few times and did not see what kind of vinegar. cider? Maria

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:46 pm

      You can use any type at all. I usually use wine or apple cider.

      Reply
  13. Pili

    July 25, 2017 at 4:16 am

    I am always on the look for eco ways to handle things and your recipe for cleaning furniture sounds so good. I have both ingredients so I will be trying it for sure with some dirty wood I have here.

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 5:48 pm

      Great and you will remember who told you. I am really glad I stumbled onto this one Pili.

      Reply
  14. Carol

    July 25, 2017 at 8:10 am

    I use the same thing and it is fabulous and green!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:07 pm

      Great minds think alike Carol!

      Reply
  15. Milena | Craft Beering

    July 25, 2017 at 11:51 am

    This method is great for wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks! Not only is it effective, but vinegar and olive oil, common:) totally matching the culinary theme.

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:23 pm

      Clean the board and then chop the salad on it. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Bliss

    July 25, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Excellent tip, pinning!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      And it really work!

      Reply
  17. Pam

    July 25, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Does it have to olive oil and did you use apple cider or white vinegar? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:26 pm

      I’ve never used anything but olive oil but I think you can also use mineral oil. As for the vinegar I have used apple cider and wine. Any color will do. I hope you enjoy it.

      Reply
  18. Heather

    July 26, 2017 at 11:59 am

    Well that looks like it will be amazingly handy for all the sad cast off things I bring home and re-purpose!! Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:27 pm

      You are very welcome and it is Green too!

      Reply
  19. nikki frank-hamilton

    July 26, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    First off, this is amazing! You brought out the beauty in the wood and it’s so clean and shiny! I have a table that needs this treatment and I’m excited to try it! Thanks.
    Second, congrats on being named one of the top 100 Upcycling Blogs! You are number 1 in my book, but it’s so cool that you are recognized by someone other than me! LOL
    Whoo Hoo!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks so much Nikki. Let me know how you like the “salad dressing”. And dear friend your recognition is so much more important than anything else.

      Reply
  20. Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal

    July 26, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Mary,
    Such a simple idea ~ thank you! I do hate buying all these cleaners when I know there must be an easier way. And, now I have it! Will repost to my FB page to share with others. 🙂 We have a TON of wood in our new “abode” so will have to try this mixture on all our cabinets.
    Thank you,
    Barb 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:32 pm

      Oh I am so happy to hear that Barbara.. Let me know what you think after you try it out.

      Reply
  21. Carol ("Mimi")

    July 26, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    Thanks for the advice. It seems that the vinegar and oil mixture both cleans and nourishes the wood, bringing out the natural luster. Especially old, dry wood would benefit from cleaning with this mixture. Great tip!
    Carol (“Mimi”) from Home with Mimi

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:38 pm

      I tried it out on an old secretary and the result was that it looked 20 years younger. If only they made a face cream like that. haha!

      Reply
  22. Debbie-Dabble

    July 27, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    What a great mixture and it seems to work wonderfuly!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:39 pm

      I hope you get a chance to try it.

      Reply
  23. LydiaF

    July 27, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    When I was growing up polishing the furniture was a regular thing. We used lemon oil, but I like this idea just as well, plus I don’t have to make room for another bottle! Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:42 pm

      Yes it is thrifty and green.

      Reply
  24. Amy

    July 27, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Love this! I love all natural, non-chemical cleaners, and this one is so simple. Thanks for the great tip!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 6, 2017 at 6:52 pm

      Thank you for dropping by Amy!

      Reply
  25. Linda at Mixed Kreations

    July 28, 2017 at 7:03 am

    Wow that cleaner does make a difference. It does brighten things up. I have been wanting to do something to the doors, and cabinets in the guest bath in our house until I decide whether I am going to paint them or what. Most of them haven’t even been stained I don’t think, if so they used a really light color. But they just look so dull I will have to give your recipe a try. Maybe just brightening them up will do the trick and I won’t have to do anything else. We are just so tired of all the remodeling of the house, and just can’t get motivated to finish the other few rooms. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
    Congratulates on making it on the list to Feedspot! That is awesome!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 7, 2017 at 12:25 pm

      Linda I really hope it works. Let me know. As you can see from that sleigh bed it worked wonders in a matter of minutes.

      Reply
  26. Keri Roberts

    July 28, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Mary, I had no idea those two ingredients together could do such beautiful things to a piece of wood, makes sense though. Thanks for sharing your tip! And congratulations on your feature Mary, very well deserved!!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 7, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      Thank you so much dear friend. We are always looking for ways to live a greener, thriftier life and this is my way. The best part is that it is so much better than the chemicals.

      Reply
  27. Maisy

    July 28, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Olive oil I expected – but vinegar? That’s such a valuable tip, Mary! Do you think I could also use that on my (unfinished) wood desk?
    Enjoy your weekend!
    *Maisy

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 7, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      I don’t see why not Maisy. The wood I am showing above has not been finished. It will give life to the wood because it does get dry after a while.

      Reply
  28. jodie filogomo

    July 28, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    Really?? That’s all it needs??
    That’s amazing—of course I’ll never hear the end of it when my husband discovers this because he thinks olive oil is the end all!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 7, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      It really is Jodie. We harvest our own olives and have olive oil each year so it really is great and cures almost everything (if you believe the little old Greek grandmas)!

      Reply
  29. Christina Makri

    July 29, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    OMG Mary! I did not know this recipe… oil and vinegar??!! It gives so much life to the wood !!! I will try this immediately 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 7, 2017 at 12:38 pm

      And its good for the Greek salad too! 😉

      Reply
  30. Chloe Crabtree

    July 30, 2017 at 8:31 am

    You are right, I was thinking, salad dressing! Amazing that something so simple brings such beauty to the wood. Do you need to really rub it until it is dry so the oil doesn’t come off on cloth that brushes up against it? Thanks for sharing at Celebrate Your Story!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:38 pm

      Chloe I only add as much as needed. Usually the wood is so dry it just soak it up. But if it is too much you can wipe it off. Leave it for a bit and it will soak up the oil.

      Reply
  31. Julie

    July 30, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Well, that is certainly worth knowing, thanks Mary. Pinning so I never forget!
    Congrats on the top 100 listing too, you deserve it with all your brilliant ideas.

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:39 pm

      Thank you so much sweet friend. That was quite a surprise for me.

      Reply
  32. Carol ("Mmi")

    July 30, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    Thank you for linking up at The Blogger’s Pit Stop Link Party. I’m sharing your link on social media.
    Carol (“Mimi”) from Home with Mimi

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks so much Carol.

      Reply
  33. Jan

    July 30, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    I”m finding this recipe very appealing. I have my parents very old radio, 78 record player combo, cabinet. I’m 72, and remember this cabinet as new!
    Extremely bad shape, with peeling stain. Question: If I tried this recipe to renew, and then decided to paint this piece, after the olive oil/vinegar solution is used, would the piece be too oily? Or does the recipe continue to rub cleanly off of the wooden project? Also, is there and odor of oil oil/vinegar, to the piece? Thanks for such great information!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      Jan I would renew with this mixture and then wait a few days before trying to paint it. Wait till you can rub a piece of cloth on it and nothing comes off. It will soak into the wood. There is no smell after it has dried.
      Good luck and I hope all goes well with the restoration of this fantastic cabinet.

      Reply
  34. Cecilia

    July 31, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    Great tip, Mary! Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:50 pm

      Thank you Cecilia.

      Reply
  35. Amber Harrop

    August 1, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    Wow Mary I must try this it looks great even if it is salad dressing

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:52 pm

      Haha and much more Amber!

      Reply
  36. Jessica

    August 2, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    Thank you so much for linking up to The Gathering Place. You are my feature this week!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:54 pm

      Thanks so much Jessica! It is always an honor.

      Reply
  37. erica

    August 6, 2017 at 9:08 am

    I am all about all-natural cleaners. This is such a great tip. haha…salad dressing. lol But seriously, how did I never think of this?

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:56 pm

      I have also heard that mayonnaise does the same thing. But what is mayo if not oil and vinegar along with some other stuff.

      Reply
  38. Katerina Konstantinou

    August 8, 2017 at 6:37 am

    Great tip Mary! And you may have a salad also on the side after all this work! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 8, 2017 at 6:59 pm

      Lets not forget the feta and olives! 😉

      Reply
  39. Wild wodd

    August 25, 2020 at 12:50 am

    That method could be applied to any wood particularly on cutting boards which is great. Awesome tips.

    Reply

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