How to Clean Antique Wood Planes
- 1). Use a soft cloth or rag to apply a wood cleaner such as Kotton Klenser, if the surface is a little dirty or grimy. Wipe with a dry cloth. Don't use water, because it can cause wood to swell.
- 2). Apply wood cleaner to a very fine steel wool, such as a 3M Gray Scotch Brite Ultra Fine Pad,to clean a grimier surface. Rub off with a soft clean towel or cloth. If the cloth comes out dirty, repeat the steel wool treatment and wipe off again.
- 3). Apply paste wax, preferably one containing carnauba wax, with a soft cloth. Rub on lightly with the grain of the wood.
- 4). Remove the wax and hand buff the plane with a clean soft cloth. You should end up with wood that retains its original look but has a fresh, healthy glow.