How do you remove wax from cabinets?

by Caroline Smith Andros

Answered

A friend built extra kitchen cabinets for us and he stained them, but then put a layer of wax over the stain. I do not like this look. Is there any safe way to remove the wax? Thanks!

2 answers

William on Jan 08, 2017

Add I cup of ammonia to one gallon hot water in the bucket. A few squirts of Dawn dish washing liquid. Mix well. Scrub the cabinets down with the ammonia water and a clean cloth. The ammonia will start to break down the wax on the cabinets. At first, they may appear gummy. This means the ammonia water is working. Re-apply the ammonia solution to the cupboards. A new cloth may be needed with each application if the wax gums up the cleaning rag. Rinse the cabinets with clean, hot water after each cleaning application. The wood finish will start to shine through. Keep repeating this process until the cabinets are back to their original finish.

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- See 1 previous
- Caroline Smith Andros on Jan 09, 2017
  
  Thank you - I will give it a try - only when I can open windows again - Spring!
  
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- William on Jan 09, 2017
  
  If you use a lemon scented ammonia, the smell isn't that pronounced. It also diluted with the water. I wash my vinyl kitchen floors with lemon ammonia once a month to remove old wax and apply fresh wax. I don't have to open windows.
  
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Val Frania {Love My DIY Home} on Jan 10, 2017

I've heard mineral spirits will do the job.

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