A Thrifty (& Safer) Alternative to Store-Bought Furniture Polish

**Thrifty Sister** · 04-28-2010, 09:38 AM

Personally, I don’t like to clean my furniture with anything that comes in a can with a skull and crossbones on the front label, or the words ‘contains petroleum distillates’ on the back. I also don’t like paying for anything that can be substituted with an easy-to-make, thrifty, homemade alternative.

For one of the thriftiest green cleaners around, simply mix ½ cup of white vinegar and a couple of drops of olive oil. You can adjust the amount of olive oil, depending on how much moisture you want to put into your wood furniture. Just rub your homemade cleaner on with a cloth, and breathe easy (literally), knowing that this green cleaner won’t damage your health. Give it a try!

Thrifty Sister

**Gor2** · 04-28-2010, 04:07 PM

Good, excellent. Gracias (Juan from Mexico)

**mamamia** · 04-28-2010, 05:46 PM

Great! Not only better for our health, but cost effective too. The women in my family always used olive oil for furniture. I had forgotten all about that, so thanks for the reminder and the right way to mix it.

Theresa

**Debbie-cat** · 04-28-2010, 08:30 PM

Thanks for the reminder! My grandma always use to clean hers that way and now I will too!

**sabrelvssammy** · 04-28-2010, 10:57 PM

you can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the olive oil to give it a nice 'smell'....

**cheriede** · 05-02-2010, 03:04 PM

I've heard of olive oil and EO for polishing, but didn't know about the vinegar for cleaning. I will definitely have to try this one. Thanks for sharing!

**bumplett** · 05-02-2010, 04:04 PM

also safe for those with pets that like to chew on the furniture

**Liane** · 05-02-2010, 04:11 PM

This is great. With allergies and asthma I am always looking for healthier green cleaners. Thank you

**gottadance** · 05-08-2010, 12:09 AM

love this - thanks!

**Megareader** · 05-22-2010, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Thrifty Sister

Personally, I don’t like to clean my furniture with anything that comes in a can with a skull and crossbones on the front label, or the words ‘contains petroleum distillates’ on the back. I also don’t like paying for anything that can be substituted with an easy-to-make, thrifty, homemade alternative.

For one of the thriftiest green cleaners around, simply mix ½ cup of white vinegar and a couple of drops of olive oil. You can adjust the amount of olive oil, depending on how much moisture you want to put into your wood furniture. Just rub your homemade cleaner on with a cloth, and breathe easy (literally), knowing that this green cleaner won’t damage your health. Give it a try!

Thrifty Sister

So do you mix this stuff up and put it in your own spray bottle? How does it compare to a product like Murphys Oil Soap? Is it basically the same but much cheaper?

**Judi Dial** · 05-23-2010, 09:01 AM

I had bought 3 cutting boards at a community sale and DH got out the mineral oil he uses for the maple counter and we gave them a good oiling. Must have done a pretty good job, as they sold within 3 days when I put them in the booth.

Since I had given away my bottle of Pledge Orange Oil (I loved it, but it made me sneeze) I have been using mineral oil. As we live in a log house, I use a LOT of wood polish.

An alternative, also cheap!

Judi

**indigo53** · 05-28-2010, 11:23 AM

I tried using olive oil and lemon juice on my wood. It gave it a beautiful shine but got sticky later. Does anyone know if the vinegar will resolve this?