How to Choose Wood Furniture Polish for Your Dining Table

The average family can put their dining room table through the ringer; things like craft projects, sticky food, and grimy fingers are just a few of the things that can put stress on a table's finish and diminish its shine over time. Regular cleanings will keep dirt at bay and ensure the table is thoroughly clean, but the right wood furniture polish for the task depends on a number of factors. Here's how to choose the polish that best suits your needs.

For cleaning jobs that are performed weekly, for example, choose a wood furniture polish that's designed for frequent use and won't cause a waxy film to build up on the furniture. A safe, natural cleaner based in vegetable oil, such as Murphy® Oil Soap, can be used after one pass of polish without worrying about residue.

You'll also want to consider how versatile the wood furniture polish is. If you're dusting or cleaning your table, in additional to other wood furniture or knickknacks, a multipurpose solution like Murphy® Oil Soap Orange Oil Cleaner can do the trick. Real Simple recommends spraying or applying your product onto a dusting cloth instead of the surface itself. This prevents polish buildup on the piece of furniture and allows for even distribution.

Wax polishes are designed for use on finished or sealed wood tables and furniture. However, the job takes a lot longer than standard polishes. As a result, many homeowners prefer not to use wax polishes äóî as it often takes several hours to apply the wax and buff the furniture. Nonetheless, this kind of project gives furniture lasting protection and can be performed on occasion, perhaps every three to five years. If you do choose to use wax on your wood furniture, use only a damp or dry cloth to clean it.

With the careful selection of a wood furniture polish, your weekly cleaning ritual will ensure that your dining room table stays as fresh as it looks. Instead of appearing lackluster, your furniture will feel new and revitalized.

This article was brought to you by Colgate-Palmolive Company, the makers of Murphy® Oil Soap. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of the Colgate-Palmolive Company.