Appreciation post: The old guy at the flea market was right about vinegar

For years I thought using white vinegar to clean old finishes was just a weird home fix. Then I got a 1920s oak dresser with a thick wax layer over the original varnish. I tried mineral spirits and nothing moved, but a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water cut right through it in about 20 minutes. It didn't hurt the wood underneath at all. Has anyone else had a good result with something simple like that on a tough cleaning job?

3 comments

3 Comments

sanchez.ivan2d ago

Honestly, vinegar got some rust off my old bike chain too.

kelly.mia2d ago

Works great until you smell like a salad.

carr.luna2d ago

That wax layer is probably shellac, not varnish. Vinegar works because it has a little acid that breaks down shellac. It can dull real varnish over time though.