This post was updated on April 10, 2023.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or just want to spruce up your current space, furniture can make all the difference. However, replacing old or worn-out pieces can be expensive.
Fortunately, with a little elbow grease and some clever tricks, you can breathe new life into your furniture and make it look like new again.
In this article, we’ll share 11 easy tricks to help you get started.
Jump to section: Candle Wax / Burns / White Water Rings / Soiled Upholstery / Rust / Scratches / Nicks and Scratches on Dark Wood / Deep Scratches / Scratched Ebony / Ink Stained Leather
1. Remove Candle Wax on Furniture
If you have candle wax drippings on your furniture, there are a few ways to remove it. First, use a hairdryer to melt the wax and then use a plastic knife to slowly remove the softened chunks. Finally, wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth.
Alternatively, you can harden the wax by holding an ice cube on it, then use the plastic knife method to remove it.
2. Removing Burns on Furniture
If you have a burn mark on your furniture, try applying mayonnaise to the affected area and let it sit for five minutes. Afterward, wipe the area clean with a soft cloth. The black marks left from the burn should start to loosen and can be easily removed with your fingernail.
If the burn has left a hole in your fabric, you can patch it up using a piece of fabric cut to size with a razor. Choose an area of the fabric that’s not visible and attach it to the burn with fabric glue. Trim the patch to fit inside the burn. With this simple fix, your furniture will look as good as new!
3. Removing White Water Rings on Furniture
If you’ve noticed unsightly white water rings on your furniture, there’s an easy way to remove them.
Start by applying petroleum jelly to the affected area and letting it sit for 24 hours. Then, using a soft cloth, gently rub the jelly into the wood. Wipe off any excess and polish the surface as you normally would.
The petroleum jelly should help to restore the wood’s natural shine and remove the water ring.
4. Remove Soiled Upholstery
To remove stains from cotton upholstery fabric, try using an art-gum eraser. Rub the eraser over the soiled area until the stain begins to loosen and lift. Continue rubbing until the area is clean. This method can be especially effective for removing dirt and grime from cotton fabrics without damaging them.
If you’ve spilled alcohol on your furniture and left a stain, you can remove it by applying a small amount of olive oil to the affected area. Rub the oil gently into the stain using a dry, soft cloth until the alcohol mark disappears. The olive oil should help to lift the stain without damaging the finish on your furniture.
6. Remove Rust on Wrought Iron Furniture
Over time, wrought iron furniture may begin to develop rust spots. To remove these unsightly marks, try using an oily furniture polish. The oil will help to hydrate the rusted area, making it easier to wipe away the rust with a cloth.
This method can be an effective way to restore the appearance of your wrought iron furniture and prevent further rusting.
7. Removing Scratches from Furniture
To remove scratches from your furniture, try rubbing a small amount of mayonnaise onto the affected area with your finger. Allow the mayonnaise to sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the scratch. Then, using a soft cloth, gently wipe away any excess mayonnaise.
This method can be an effective way to reduce the visibility of scratches on wood furniture and restore its appearance.
8. Remove Nicks and Scratches on Dark Wood
If you have nicks or scratches on your dark wood furniture, you can try using a simple coffee-based solution to help repair the damage.
- To begin, mix instant coffee with water to make a thick paste.
- Rub the paste into the scratch or nick, being sure to work it into the damaged area.
- Allow the paste to dry completely, then use a soft cloth to gently rub away any excess.
- Finally, wax the surface of the wood as you normally would to help protect and restore its appearance.
This method can be a simple and effective way to address minor damage to your dark wood furniture.
9. Remove Deep Scratches
If you have deep scratches on your furniture, you may be able to fill them in using a simple natural remedy.
- Start by selecting a walnut or pecan and cutting it in half.
- Then, use the broken side of the nut to rub the scratch and work the nut oil into the wood. The oil will help to fill in the scratch and restore the appearance of the wood.
Once you’ve treated the scratch, you can polish the furniture as usual to help protect it from further damage.
This method can be a quick and easy way to address deep scratches and restore the look of your furniture.
10. Remove Scratched Ebony
If you have scratches on your ebony furniture, you can try using black liquid shoe polish or a black eyebrow pencil to help cover them up.
Simply apply a small amount of the polish or pencil to the affected area and work it into the scratch with a soft cloth. Be sure to choose a shade that closely matches the color of the wood to achieve the best results.
This method can be an effective way to reduce the visibility of scratches on ebony furniture and restore its appearance.
11. Remove Ink Stained Leather
If you have ink stains on your leather furniture, you may be able to remove them using a nail cuticle remover.
Start by applying a small amount of the remover to the affected area of the leather and rubbing it in gently with a soft cloth.
Be sure to use a remover that is safe for use on leather and to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid any damage to the leather.
With a little bit of effort, the cuticle remover should help to lift the ink stain from the leather and restore its appearance.
Once the stain is gone, be sure to condition the leather to keep it supple and looking its best.
In conclusion, with a few simple tricks and some common household items, you can easily restore your furniture to its former glory.
From removing stains and scratches to repairing burns and nicks, these tips and techniques can help you keep your furniture looking great for years to come.
Remember to always test any products or methods on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture first and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
With a little bit of effort and some TLC, you can keep your furniture looking like new and enjoy it for many years to come.
