If you have beautiful wood furniture that has some slight damage, like scratches or water rings, you can improve the look and the value of the furniture with some polish.
Wood polish will bring out the furniture's natural beauty, and help condition the wood so that it lasts longer.
You can make your own polish using ingredients that you have right around your home.
When you make your own mix, put it in a clean glass container, and label it clearly.
Some people mix baby oil with a tiny bit of lemon extract for a simple, but nice-smelling polish.
You can also use one cup of mineral oil and three drops of lemon oil.
With a dry cloth, dip it into the oil and rub into the furniture.
Buff with a clean dry rag.
Another homemade wood polish recipe calls for two ounces of grated beeswax to every five ounces of turpentine.
Mix thoroughly until the wax is dissolved into the turpentine solution.
For a completely "green" or natural wood polish, use one cup of olive oil, and one quarter cup of white vinegar.
You can actually put that into a spray bottle for easier application.
Spray it onto a cloth, not directly onto the furniture.
Whenever you apply polish, always work the solution into the wood with the grain.
If there is detail work, such as engravings, apply a thicker coat, and work it in with your rag as deeply as you can.
Then take a small soft-bristle brush (like an old toothbrush), and rub the brush into each of the grooves.
Follow up with a soft cloth, and buff the surface well.