DIY Network

Dusting and Repairing Furniture Scratches From "Spruce It Up With the Queen of Clean Inside the Castle" episode SCI-101

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The Queen of Clean®, Linda Cobb (left), here with homeowner Betty Archambeau, says you should never to use a feather duster when dusting. She recommends a lamb's wool telescoping duster instead. It's washable and lasts for years. Not only will the Queen's homemade dust repellent leave a shine that sparkles, it will save $ as well. Figure A Figure B Figure C

Dust-Removal Cleaning Solution

Materials and Ingredients:

Bowl of warm water
Dishwashing liquid
2 tsp. turpentine

Stir the solution well, and place a few good cotton rags in the bowl, making sure they become saturated (let them soak for eight to 10 hours). After soaking, let the rags line dry and store them in a clean coffee can.

Note: The turpentine gives wood a great shine, and the rags can be used repeatedly.

Dust-Repellent Cleaning Solution

For those tough surfaces such as a television or computer screen, here's another great Queen of Clean homemade solution.

Ingredients:

1 part liquid fabric softener
4 parts water

Combine the ingredients for a great dust repellent.

If you're dusting and notice scratches in your furniture, the following household items can help you restore the luster:

• Crayons -- You can buy wood touch-up pens and wax crayons to fill scratches. Be sure to select the ones that match the color of the furniture as closely as possible. Children's crayons, however, can also work to cover those unsightly scratches. Match the color closely and work the crayon into the scratched area (figure A).

• Blow Dryer -- Use a blow dryer (set on high) or a hot rag heated in the clothes dryer and buff the area until it has a smooth finish.

• Iodine -- For mahogany or cherry wood, try iodine. Apply liberally to the stain or scratch (figure B) and dab with a dry, soft cloth. If it doesn't cover the scratch or stain with one try, repeat with a second application.

• Nuts -- For lighter and medium woods (pecan, walnut, etc.), rub a cut pecan or walnut into the scratched area (figure C) and buff well with a cloth. The oil from the nut will fill in the scratch.

  Note: None of these products will damage your furniture. If one doesn't work, try another.

Queen of Clean's Dirty Little Secret:

• To remove fingerprints on wood furniture, shake a little cornstarch on the surface and polish with a soft cloth.

Next: Vacuuming

RESOURCES :

Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean
ISBN: 0743418301
Author: Linda Cobb
(1998) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

Talking Dirty Laundry With the Queen of Clean
ISBN: 0743418328
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

The Queen of Clean: The Royal Guide to Spot and Stain Removal
ISBN: 0743437837
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

A Queen for All Seasons: A Year of Tips, Tricks, and Picks for a Cleaner House and ...
ISBN: 0743428315
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com