In this article, we will try to settle the debate: Orange Oil Vs. Lemon Oil For Furniture
Table of Contents
Oils have been used in and for furniture since time immemorial. Let us briefly discuss oils, why, and where they are used for furniture. We will compare Orange Oil Vs. Lemon Oil in the furniture context.
Oils and Their Furniture Connection
Depending on their penetration into the surface and their ability to increase the longevity, sheen of timber, numerous oils can improvise and enhance their characteristics. Many oil-based polishes are used to condition and revive the shine in old and aged furniture. But, just like your skin, your beautiful closet and bookshelf demand attention and care too.
Let us look at the characteristics of orange oil.
Is Orange Oil Good for Furniture?
Orange oil has a lovely and fresh scent, which I like a lot. As a result, it is a top-rated product. Yes, orange oil is perfect for furniture. Orange oil is derived from orange rinds and can be used for multiple purposes in your house. Once you discover its benefits and uses, you are highly likely to invest in this staple. You can get your hands on one from Amazon or your nearest supermarket.
Continue reading ahead to discover its magical powers.
It prevents wood from drying out.
Orange oil is meant for situations where the wood is running dry; it is potent for preventing the wood from drying out.
Wipes off dust
Not only this, but orange oil can also act as a makeup remover. It can remove dust and dirt from the surface of the wood. Since orange oil comprises natural ingredients, you need not be worried about any stains or harm to your favorite furniture pieces. The problem while using other furniture cleansers and oils might be drying up the product’s wood or residue. Pure orange oil would never do that unless specified otherwise.
Polishing, conditioning, and nourishing wood
Orange oil is predominantly used to revive and rejuvenate wood, akin to the way we used anti-aging creams to restore our skin and prevent wrinkles from kicking in.
The products marketed in the name Orange Oil wood polish are used for polishing wood, as the name indicates. You can invest in one for your house and use it to clean and polish the furniture cabinets, chairs, tables, and even antiques.
You might also like to read : Can You Use Furniture Polish For Car Interiors
How Do You Apply Orange Oil to Furniture?
Patch Test
Everything will follow, but the patch test has to be the first thing. On a spot that won’t be visible otherwise, try out a trial. On a soft cloth, spray or apply a small amount of oil and gently wipe over the wood surface. Check if the oil penetrates or stays atop the surface even after five minutes. How the surface and the oil respond in this time frame shall give you a fair idea of the amount of product you need. Some timbers may also darken as a result of the application of orange oil.
Soft Cloth
Now that you are done with the patch test, take a soft cloth and apply or spray orange oil. Gently wipe it over the wood surface with small strokes. Gradually move onto other patches of the furniture piece. Let the oil penetrate for about five minutes. Buff it a little to bring out the shine in the wood. Some products come in spray bottles; You can spray them directly onto the furniture. It is always good to test the amount of product that comes out on every spray beforehand to avoid problems.
How often can I use orange oil on my furniture?
Occasionally, after quite some usage, it will happen that you will scrub the surface after applying orange oil for several years, but the furniture won’t shine. If this happens, your furniture needs to be polished. But, again, you can either hire an expert or do it yourself based on your choice and skills.
On a somewhat regular basis, you can use orange oil polish for polishing and conditioning wood. You can alternate between a dry or slightly dampened cloth and a cloth infused with orange oil polish.
You might also like to read : Can You Use Brown Furniture With Gray Walls: Let’s Settle The Debate
Wooden Flooring
It is important to note that since this product is designed to enhance the shine of wood, it is crucial to be extremely cautious when using it on floors because it can make the surface slippery and prove to be hazardous. Therefore, it is necessary to mix orange oil with white vinegar before using it on flooring.
Is Lemon Oil Good for Furniture?
Lemon oil, too, just like orange oil, has a pleasant and fresh scent. Using it on furniture can infuse the scent onto the table as well. If you happen to like this scent, you will love your favorite antique even more now.
Stain remover
Lemon oil is an excellent stain remover. It does the job even on unfinished surfaces. However, if you own an antique, it is best to remove the littlest doubts by already asking the seller since they know best. There might be some precautions, and whenever you are unaware of such things, it is best to refrain from using any product on your own.
Prevents cracking of wood
Usage of lemon oil on timber can help prevent and delay cracks in the wood.
Fragrant
Lemon oil, as I mentioned earlier, can make your furniture fragrant, and the entire space will smell divine. You can leave your guests wondering what is scented in the room?
You might also like to read : Can You Use Air Dried Lumber For Furniture? Ultimate Guide To Wood Drying
Surface disinfectant
Lemons can kill harmful bacteria. In addition, you can make your very own cleaner with lemon oil and vinegar. This homemade cleaner is way less toxic than all the dangerous products available in the market.
Stubborn Stickers on your favorite products
You can get rid of the stubborn stickers on your newly purchased products by using lemon oil atop them. First, let the lemon oil sit on the sticker for about two minutes, now continue to rub, rub until the sticker begins to come off.
It makes the surface glossy.
It is also possible to make the surface glossy by using lemon oil correctly. Learn how to do it by reading ahead.
How Do You Apply Lemon Oil to Furniture?
Clean the surface on which you are to apply lemon oil. Clean and dust it well. On a dry rag, introduce a little less than a tablespoon of lemon oil. Go over the entirety of the furniture piece with this cloth. You will see a shiny and polished look coming up. If required, introduce a little more quantity of oil to the fabric and repeat the same. Be patient with the product since it takes time to do its magic.
How often can I use lemon oil on my furniture?
Well, practically saying you can use lemon oil polish all the times you clean your furniture. Remember, lemon oil and polish are two different products and have other ingredients. So be mindful lest you mistakenly end up swapping them.
In addition, as I suggested earlier, it is always good to switch between a dry or slightly dampened cloth on some days and an oil-infused fabric on others. If appropriately used, lemon oil can increase the life of the wood by preventing the formation of cracks on it. Also, excess oil won’t do any good, so it is good to refrain from too much use.
Orange Oil Vs. Lemon Oil
Ingredients and composition
Orange oil is composed of all things natural. On the other hand, lemon oil generally contains mineral spirits. You must remember that oils and their polishes are different products; read the labels and the ingredients list any confusion occurs.
Flammability
Orange oil is generally not flammable, while lemon oil is mainly labeled as flammable. Hence, using it at home should be carried out with all precautions and utmost care. In addition, always check for the flammability of the products when making a purchase.
You might also like to read : Can You Use Furniture Polish On Norwex Cloth?: Ultimate Guide To Using Norwex
Antimicrobial
Many citrus fruit derivatives naturally possess antibacterial properties. Hence, both orange and lemon essential oils will kill harmful microbes on application.
Fragrant
There are similar benefits to both orange oil and lemon oil-infused products, and they can both be used on furniture. If the seller informs you the same, you can choose the one whose fragrance you prefer. Both have a fresh citrusy scent.
Reviews
In Entirelabs’ list of the ten best oils for wood furniture in 2021, the top five contain two products with lemon oil in their composition. Their list has an orange oil product on the ninth number. However, our final verdict would be to consult your seller since we don’t know what furniture you use, what kind of wood it is, or what product can bring out the best in it. Also, try to avoid spray products for antiques; they can erode the topmost layer and ruin the wood grain texture.
Conclusion
Oils can benefit the furniture if they’re used correctly. However, make sure you read the labels before purchasing and perform patch tests before use. Let us know your views about the lemon oil and orange oil conversation in the comments down below.
