Natural, Long-lasting, Eco-friendly furniture polish
For the last year or so, there’s a gap in the living room that’s annoyed me somewhat. We purchased IKEA units to form a bookcase/glass cabinet, but there was a gap of about 380mm leftover; too small for another IKEA shelf, but too big to not do anything with. I took the plunge and decided to design my own shelves for the space, with a view to create a designated charging area for the never-ending queue of electronics that need charging.
Although a qualified Mechanical Engineer, I’ve not had much hands-on experience when it comes to DIY projects, so approached this task with both excitement and trepidation. And bandages, lots of bandages (just in case). Although I managed to order veneered board cut to size, and iron on edging, each shelf would still need sizing adjustments to cater for the wonkiness in the existing unit and chimney breast. I also needed to add in holes and trunking and gaps for the cables to slot in to (and hopefully stop the little hands of the house reaching.
Over the space of a week, I managed to get the shelves completed. The last thing left for me to do is to add a finish to the wood to seal it. As I had a surplus of beeswax in (from creating Beeswax Wraps, click here for the tutorial), I was keen to make my own. Warming this wax polish up so it is more liquid is an ideal initial coating to a freshly finished project, whilst buffing onto wood whilst cold and solid is an ideal, natural homemade furniture polish.
This eco-friendly beeswax polish is good for the environment, and will last a long
What do I need to make Beeswax Wood Polish?
(The below quantities gave me enough to make 2 x 110ml jars* full of wax polish, so can be scaled as needed)
- 85g of beeswax* (pellets, or bars)
- 235g of Coconut oil* (olive oil would also work)
- A few drops of Essential Oils* (I went with Citronella)
How do I make Beeswax Wood Polish?
- Weigh out your ingredients. If you are using wax bars, break into smaller pieces so that they will melt faster.
- Bring a pan of water to the boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and pop a glass bowl on top to create a double boiler. Add in the wax, and melt, stirring occasionally.
- Add in your oil and mix until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in your essential oil
- Whilst still hot, pour into jars. Leave to cool. (Tip: Wide mouthed jars are easier to rub a cloth in to)
How do I use my Beeswax Wood Polish?
- Applying to untreated wood: Warm the mix slightly so it is more liquid. Apply to the wood with a paintbrush or a cloth. Buff into the wood with a cloth, and rub away the excess from the surface
- Using as a furniture polish: Rub a cloth onto the cold mixture. Buff into the furniture and wipe off excess.
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What a great idea. I never would have thought of doing this before.
Oh my dad swears by beeswax wood polish! He is always preaching the benefits to me, I thought he was just spouting nonsense, haha!
What a great idea! We have an old table saved from a skip, that needs polishing, so may try this.
I think this is a great idea, I always have loads of charging cables too so I like the idea of keeping them neat and tidy. Your shelves look great and well done for doing it all yourself including making the beeswax, hope you feel pleased with your achievement.
What a great idea to make the beeswax yourself, it makes the wood really pop
I make all of my own natural cleaning products now so I'll have to add this one to my list.
I think this is fab. At least you know exactly what is in the product for sure and that they are no chemicals xx
I would never have thought of doing something like this. Great idea and a fab way of limiting chemicals in the house x
Great idea. Would love to try it because we can have relief that there is 100% no chemicals.
What a great idea . Would love to try this activity:)
Fantastic idea! Going to try this out!
Oh, this takes me back. I haven't made my own beeswax furniture polish for a VERY long time. This recipe is heaps easier than the one I used to use, so you might just have inspired me to make some once again.