Published August 18, 2023
You will not expect olive oil on top of the list of things to use to care for your wooden furniture. It is an overlooked option, but it is superb for polishing. Some folks may see it as just another kitchen staple and nothing else. But the truth is that olive oil has properties that make it great for restoring and preserving wooden pieces.
Keep reading as we unravel all there is to know about olive oil for wooden furniture. What benefits does it unlock, and why should you put them religiously in your fixtures? Let’s start.
Why Olive Oil?
Olive oil has long been existing to treat wood. It has been the case since ancient times, and it is for good reason. Olive oil is an all-natural oil that does not contain harsh chemicals. Many of which modern polishes and sealants do.
It has a high concentration of fatty acids. One of which is oleic acid, an excellent moisturizer and lubricant. It keeps the wood from becoming brittle and dry. Olive oil also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants support the wood against environmental damage.
Why You Should Put Olive Oil on Your Wooden Furniture
Most people apply using olive oil as wood polishes. Olive oil is a milder solution than petroleum-based wood polishes. It is also eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Olive oil nourishes the wood. It amazingly brings out its natural shine. It is a natural alternative to traditional stains. It will protect your furniture from water. It will also make them more vibrant when combined with other colors.
Benefits of Olive Oil on Wood
1. Olive oil encourages the release of wood’s natural beauty
When you apply olive oil on wood, it helps to bring the natural beauty of the wood grain. It will even enhance the color of certain fixtures.
2. Olive oil treats minor scrapes and dents on wooden furniture.
More impressively, olive oil will smooth out minor scratches and marks on the surface. It is an excellent choice for restoring older or weather pieces.
3. Olive oil protects your wooden fixtures from dust and dirt
Olive oil will also safeguard your fixtures from dirt and dust buildup. When it dries, it makes a protective layer on the surface. This layer will prevent dust and dirt from settling in.
4. Harmless
As it is all-natural, it is safe. It provides no harm to children and pets you may have in your home.
5. Olive oil is versatile
Olive oil works well with many kinds of wood surfaces. It includes chairs, tables, cabinets, storage boxes, etc.
6. Affordable and Long-lasting
A small bottle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil will go a long way. It will undoubtedly take care of all your wooden furniture for a really long time.
Olive Oil for Outside Wooden Furniture
Olive oil is excellent in being a protective wood treatment for indoor furniture. But, this is not the case for outside fixtures. The main reason is olive oil can go rancid when defined to sunlight and other elements.
Suppose you’re looking for a wood sealant or treatment solution for your patio furniture. Olive oil is not a sound option. It does not work for your fences, sheds, or any other outdoor wooden surfaces. For these surfaces, you should look for wood products that are crafted for outdoor wood use. These might include sealants like tung oil, linseed oil, and shellac, among others. They contain UV inhibitors that safeguard the wood from sunlight damage.
Can I Treat the Wood With Olive Oil?
The Olive oil wood finish is incredible. You can treat wood with olive oil. Work on the oil into the wood grain with a cloth. Rub it back and forth. Allow the wood to soak in the oil for 10 minutes. Then, proceed to wipe the excess away with a clean towel. The oil will help prevent insects from eating the wood! Amazing, isn’t it?
Can You Finish the Wood With Olive Oil?
Olive oil for wood is nourishing. At the same time, some people may worry about using it as it may cause damage. The truth is olive oil sustains the wood and brings out its natural luster.
Easy To Make Do-It-Yourself Furniture Polish Recipes
1. Olive oil furniture polish
To create this, you will need the following. Prepare your olive oil, lemon juice, a small bowl, and a dry cleaning cloth. Pour two parts of olive oil into the bowl. Following one part, lemon juice. Mix them well. Transfer it to a spray bottle container.
After that, you are ready to wipe and rejuvenate your wooden pieces.
2. Olive oil furniture polish and anti-dust spray
This recipe not only polishes your furniture. It will also pick up the dust effectively. It is best for those who do not like to spend a lot of time cleaning.
To make this, prepare 1 part distilled white vinegar, three parts olive oil, and 30 drops of essential oil. Ready a container with a tight-fitting lead. Next, place all the ingredients into the jar. Secure the cover and begin to shake until the oil combines with the vinegar.
Ready your soft cloth to dip into the polish, and you’re good to go. Store the product in a cool location. Replace it monthly or when it begins to smell bad.
3. Unscented homemade furniture cleaner
Using non-food grade oils allows you to store your furniture polish longer. It is because these oils have a longer shelf life. To make this DIY wood cleaner that will shine to your wood swifty, prepare the following. ¼ cup nonfood grade oil and a few drops of white vinegar. These amounts can change based on how you want the consistency to be. Oil adds lubrication, but too much can leave your pieces with a greasy texture. Adding vinegar improves the cleaning power of the polish
4. Lemon-scented homemade furniture polish
This scented fixture polish will leave a pleasant citrus scent on your wooden furniture. To make:
- Prepare two drops of lemon oil. 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and two drops of oil.
- Use a glass container to prevent the lemon juice and oil from breaking down the plastic.
- Proceed to mix lemon juice, lemon oil, and olive oil.
- Shake the mixture well, and you’re ready.
Can You Polish the Wooden Furniture With Household Oil?
Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, food-grade mineral oil, and tung oil. These are some of the best household oils for polishing furniture. These oils can improve the appearance of your wooden pieces. Yet, they may not provide long-lasting protection. Protection such as commercial furniture polish products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive on Wood
1. Will olive oil damage my wooden furniture?
Olive oil is safe, even nourishing, to apply on wooden fixtures. However, excessive use of applying too much oil is no good. It can leave a greasy residue and attract dust.
2. How often should I polish my wooden furniture with olive oil?
It would be best to polish your wooden furniture with oil every few months. Over-polishing can cause a buildup of grease. It can dull the wood’s appearance.
3. Can I use any type of olive oil to polish my wooden furniture?
Extra virgin olive oil is best utilized for furniture polishing. It is due to its high quality and low acidity. However, if you cannot access it, you can use regular or light olive oil.
4. Tips on how to care about your wooden furniture
Treat your wooden furniture with care. Avoid rough handling, dragging, and placing hefty objects on it. Keep them at bay from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Dust your wooden fixture. It helps prevent the buildup of dirt that can scratch the surface. Accidental spills should be wiped off. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to prevent staining and water damage.
Sometimes, taking care of your wooden furniture is as easy as trusting the natural ingredients you already have. Take olive oil, for example. As we’ve found out, olive oil is an excellent ingredient for wood polishing. It’s a great moisturizer and lubricant to ensure your wood doesn’t wear and become brittle. It helps to bring out and elevate the natural beauty of your wooden fixture. With our guide, you’re now educated on nature’s best wood polishing agent.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of wood care, particularly the use of olive oil for treating and maintaining wooden furniture. My expertise is rooted in both historical practices and contemporary knowledge, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the benefits and proper application of olive oil for this purpose.
The article you've presented, published on August 18, 2023, highlights the often underestimated advantages of using olive oil for wooden furniture care. The piece elucidates on various aspects, and I'll break down the concepts discussed:
Why Olive Oil?
Olive oil has been a traditional wood treatment for centuries, and its enduring popularity stems from its natural composition. The oil is rich in oleic acid, a powerful moisturizer that prevents wood from becoming brittle. Additionally, olive oil contains antioxidants, offering protection against environmental damage without the harsh chemicals found in many modern polishes and sealants.
Benefits of Olive Oil on Wood
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Enhanced Natural Beauty: Olive oil brings out the natural beauty of wood grain, enhancing the color of wooden fixtures.
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Treatment of Scratches and Dents: It effectively smooths out minor scratches and marks on the wooden surface, making it suitable for restoring older or weathered pieces.
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Dust and Dirt Protection: Olive oil creates a protective layer, preventing dust and dirt buildup on wooden furniture.
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Harmlessness: Being all-natural, olive oil poses no harm to children and pets, making it a safe option for households.
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Versatility: Olive oil works well with various wood surfaces, including chairs, tables, cabinets, and storage boxes.
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Affordability and Longevity: High-quality extra-virgin olive oil is an affordable and long-lasting solution for wood care.
Olive Oil for Outside Wooden Furniture
While olive oil is excellent for indoor furniture, it's not suitable for outdoor fixtures due to the risk of going rancid when exposed to sunlight. Outdoor wood surfaces require specialized sealants like tung oil, linseed oil, or shellac with UV inhibitors to protect against sunlight damage.
Application of Olive Oil on Wood
The article provides a step-by-step guide on treating wood with olive oil. This involves working the oil into the wood grain, allowing it to soak, and then wiping away the excess. The process not only nourishes the wood but also helps prevent insect damage.
DIY Furniture Polish Recipes Using Olive Oil
The article offers several do-it-yourself furniture polish recipes:
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Olive Oil Furniture Polish: A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice for wood rejuvenation.
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Olive Oil Furniture Polish and Anti-Dust Spray: Combining distilled white vinegar, olive oil, and essential oil for polishing and dust removal.
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Unscented Homemade Furniture Cleaner: A mixture of non-food grade oil and white vinegar for effective wood cleaning.
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Lemon-Scented Homemade Furniture Polish: A citrus-scented polish using lemon oil, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Other Household Oils for Furniture Polishing
The article briefly mentions alternative household oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, food-grade mineral oil, and tung oil. These oils can enhance the appearance of wooden furniture but may not provide long-lasting protection compared to commercial furniture polish products.
Frequently Asked Questions
The piece addresses common questions, emphasizing the safety of olive oil for wooden furniture, recommended types of olive oil, and tips on caring for wooden furniture, such as avoiding direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
In conclusion, the article showcases olive oil as a versatile, cost-effective, and natural solution for wooden furniture care, providing valuable insights into its benefits and proper application.
