Furniture finished with linseed or tung oil and a thin layer of wax needs only dusting and a reapplication of paste wax every two to four years — or once a year for parts, like tabletops, that get heavy use. Properly applied (see How to Wax Wood Furniture), paste wax provides a long-lasting protective finish that repels water and dust. For heavy cleaning, use odorless mineral spirits (which acts as a mild solvent, so you’ll need to rewax) or Old English Lemon Oil.

Paste Wax

Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish ($30, Gracious Home, 800-338-7809) is a quality clear wax.

Cleanser

Old English Lemon Oil ($7 at grocery stores) cleans and removes stains and wax buildup.