We are all well aware of lemon use for edible and cosmetic purposes, but have you ever heard of using lemon oil for wood protection? Lemon oil is a magical cleansing agent for wood owing to its acidic content. Additionally, it also protects wood from moisture and drying up. Hence, a whole package for wood maintenance.
There are tons of wood polishes on the market. Why should you prefer lemon oil over them? Where and how to apply it? How to make the most of it? Don’t worry, I am here to answer all your queries and guide you through the process with bonus tips.
Benefits of lemon oil for wood
Most synthetic finishes in the market are very good for rejuvenating the look of your furniture. But lemon oil is a double-edged sword. It not only regains the look but being an oil also nourishes wood. Here are some key benefits of lemon oil for cleaning wood;
- Cleans the surface of wood by removing all stains and dirt built up.
- Polishes all wood furniture to a nice shine with a pleasant fresh aroma of lemons.
- Penetrates dry wood finishes to replenish lost oils and prevents drying and cracking up
- Lemon oil does not alter the color of the wood.
- Pops up the grain on the wood, giving it a beautiful look.
- Protects wood against moisture
Applications of lemon oil
From making the wooden kitchen cabinets stain-free to polishing the outdoor furniture, you can use lemon oil for a multitude of surfaces and purposes.
- For wood furniture maintenance.
- Deep cleaning of kitchen, including dirty and smelly wooden cabinets, greasy dishwashers, microwaves, etc.
- Polishing and cleaning the wooden walls and floors. You can also check stain removal tips for walls and beautiful wall panelling makeover ideas to maintain the beauty and neatness of your home.
- Cleaning of Guitar fret boards (professionals clean them with lemon oil instead of other thick polishes to maintain its pinpoint precision)
- Besides wood, lemon oil is an effective solution to clean grimy and greasy bathroom sinks.
Tips to use lemon oil for wood Furniture
A lot of lemon oil products are available out there. So, it becomes difficult sometimes to choose the best lemon oil for wood. Finding the right polishing product and using it the right way is the key to furniture maintenance. Here are some dos and don’ts while using lemon oil for wood furniture;
1. Find the right product
Commercial lemon oils for wood aren’t usually pure because pure lemon oil can damage the underlying finishing and is not thick enough to form a coating film. So, they are paired with additives like polish compounds and wood conditioners. However, avoid using products with wax and solvent ingredients as they can damage wood.
2. Avoid over application
- Don’t pour the lemon oil directly on the finished wood.
- Take a small amount on a clean, lint-free cloth and rub it gently on the wooden surface in the direction of the grain. If the cloth dries, apply a little amount again.
- Allow furniture to dry for 1 to 2 hours before moving or placing anything.
Pro tip: For unfinished wooden surfaces, you can also use pure lemon oil for wood. Pour it directly, let it absorb and wipe away the excess.
3. Reapply frequently
Lemon oil, being thin in consistency it doesn’t dry to a film. So, to preserve wooden beauty and maintain the neat look of your bedroom, you should apply it at least every 3 to 4 months.
4. Don’t mess with antique furniture
Lemon oil isn’t suitable for antiques. Due to its acidic nature, it can remove the older finishing ruining its versatility.
5. Extra protection for outdoor furniture
Outdoor wood furniture loses its shine over the time due to sun exposure. So, you not only need to clean the outdoor furniture but also give extra protection against sunlight. It is recommended to go for lemon oil products having sunscreen and uv inhibitors to maintain its natural beauty.
The bottom line
Lemon oil is a game changing move to preserve the look and shine of your wooden surfaces. Its excellent cleaning nature, obsessing fragrance and extra nourishing prpoperties make it stand out among most of the best wooden polishes in the market. Let your home shine with minimal expenditure!
Frequently Asked Questions
The use of Lemon oil for wood cabinets and greasy dishwashers is common. However, its use in edibles is limited to flavouring foods and backing. It is important to clarify that food-grade lemon oil is used in cooking and not the lemon essential oil.
Commercially available lemon oil products are preferable for wood due to added polishing ingredients. However, you can also make it at home by mixing very simple ingredients i.e, 1 part lemon juice, 2 parts vinegar and 2 parts olive oil.
No, lemon juice isn’t recommended at all to clean the wooden surfaces ownig to its harsh acidic nature. Instead, try lemon oil for wood floor to get the perfect finishing along with pleasant aroma.
Yes,lemon oil is very effective in removing hard water stsains from wood. Due to itscitric acid content, it break calcium and magnesium in hard water and lifts the stains.
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