To avoid a build-up of polish or wax, apply it sparingly and no more than a few times a year. To prevent a build-up in the crevices of carved or decorative areas, put a small amount of polish or wax on a cloth before you wipe it onto the furniture.
If a build-up does occur, you can remove it by wiping the furniture with a soft cloth dampened with a little methylated spirits; then apply fresh wax or polish.
Homemade polishes
The simplest of polishes is to use sunflower oil. If you prefer a lemon-scented polish, add 1 teaspoon of lemon oil for every 16fl oz/450ml of sunflower oil.
Mix 2 pints/1. 1 litres boiled linseed oil with 16fl oz/450ml turpentine. (Store in a covered container.)
Combine 1 part lemon oil and 3 parts olive oil.
