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How to Reduce Furniture Wax Buildup

Wood furniture needs protection from water damage, drying and decay. Wax provides an effective layer of protection that keeps the wood safe for months. Any type of wood finish benefits from a layer of wax. You can use it on varnish, lacquer, polyurethane and oil finishes. However, if it is over-applied, wax builds up, which detracts from the wood's appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft cloths
  • Cabinetmaker's wax
  • Furniture cleaner
  • Wax remover (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dust the furniture with a soft cloth during regular cleaning. Do not use wax-based cleaners for regular maintenance, or the furniture will quickly get a build-up of excess wax.

    • 2

      Apply furniture wax every 6 months, using a light hand. If you see ridges on the wax's surface, you have applied too much. Buff away the excess wax with a soft cloth.

    • 3

      Clean furniture with too much wax buildup using a cleaner designed for wood furniture. A wax-free cleaner will naturally remove excess wax while you clean. If you have a significant amount of buildup, you can use a specially designed wax remover to get rid of it.