To Clean Woods in Natural Finish.
To clean woodwork in your halls and rooms do not wash it. Soap destroys the looks of woodwork that is finished in natural colors. Wring a flannel cloth out of hot water and wipe off the dust. When all the woodwork has been dusted in this manner go over it with a woollen cloth made damp with cotton-seed or sweet oil and alcohol or turpentine; two parts oil and one alcohol or turpentine. Rub hard, and with the grain of the wood; then rub with clean flannel. It will revive the color and gloss. Light woods must be wiped with a damp flannel and polished with a dry piece of flannel. Do not use oil on light woods.
To clean the railing of banisters, wash off all the dirt with soap and water, and when dry rub with two parts of linseed oil and one of turpentine.
All dark woods that have become soiled and dingy may be washed with soap and water, using, if possible, a piece of flannel. Dry with a soft cloth. Mix together two parts of linseed oil and one of turpentine. Moisten an old piece of flannel in this and rub the furniture with it. Finish by rubbing hard, and with the grain, with a dry old piece of flannel. If there be any white stains rub them with kerosene, using a good deal of oil and much pressure.
The soiled wood may be cleaned with turpentine instead of soap and water.