How to make your own furniture polishes

There's no need to spend lots of money on commercial furniture polishes with harsh ingredients, when making your own is so easy — and easy on the budget!

Shine up your wood furniture, panelling and knickknacks with this all-natural polish that will take you only a minute to prepare, and costs less than a bagel. Discard any leftovers and make up a fresh batch each time you want to clean and polish your wood treasures.

• 250 ml (1 c) olive oil
• 75 ml (1/3 c) lemon juice
• 1 clean 500 ml (16 oz) spray bottle

1. Combine the oil and lemon juice in the spray bottle. Shake well before using.
2.  Apply a small amount to a soft flannel cloth or chamois and apply it evenly over the wood surface.
3. Use a clean, dry flannel cloth to buff and polish.

How would you like a furniture polish that you can just wipe on and forget? Well, your prayers have been answered — and for a lot less money than you might expect!

• 50 ml (1/4 c) boiled linseed oil
• 30 ml (1/8 c) vinegar
• 30 ml (1/8 c) whisky
• 1 clean 500 ml (16 oz) spray bottle

1. Combine all the ingredients in the bottle. Shake well.
2. Apply a small amount of polish to a clean, soft cloth and wipe on.
3. No need to buff; the dullness evaporates along with the alcohol.

Why burn through your household budget on furniture polish for those large wood kitchen cabinets, bookshelves or wardrobes around your home? Here's the perfect polish to use on big jobs — and it costs a couple of pennies to make. Be sure to mix up a fresh batch for each use.

• 5 ml (1 tsp) lemon juice
• 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil
• 500 ml (2 c) warm water

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl or container.
2. Dip a soft flannel cloth into the solution and wring it out. Wipe over the wood.
3. Buff and polish with a soft, dry cloth.