The 8 Best Furniture Polishes of 2023

We love the Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray

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3 of the best furniture polish

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Keeping your wood furniture clean, polished, and protected is a great way to enhance its beauty and prolong its life. That’s why investing in furniture polish can be the difference between having a piece of furniture that passes through generations, and one that'll need replacing after a short time. From wipes and liquids to waxes and sprays, there are plenty of options to keep your furniture in amazing shape.

When shopping for furniture polish, it’s important to consider its purpose. Anne Knowing, California-based cleaning expert, notes, “Keep in mind that different cleaners work for different purposes and that the best thing you can do is to get a formula made for your needs.” Some options condition and moisturize old wood. Others are perfect for cleaning and dusting. You should also consider a polish's ease of use and scent. To help you find the best furniture polish, we researched top picks with these considerations in mind.

Our top pick, the Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray, cleans and conditions, resulting in an improved finish with routine use. It's also easy to apply and has a nice scent.

Here, the best furniture polishes to keep wood pieces clean and protected.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray, 2 pack

4.9
Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Cleans and conditions

  • Safe for most uses

  • Easy to apply

  • Nice scent

What We Don’t Like
  • Not good for floors

  • Need separate application cloth

The Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray is our top pick for a furniture polish, because it is easy to use, cleans exceptionally well, and leaves a pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering. You'll need a cloth to work it into the grain of the wood, but depending on where you buy it from, the spray may come with a microfiber cloth. We also love that the spray bottle makes applying just the right amount very easy. When you use it, the cleaner also conditions and moisturizes the wood. With regular use, the finish on your furniture actually improves, and you need to use less cleaner to keep up the shine.

This spray is good for any finished wood, including tables, chairs, office and bedroom furniture, cabinets, panels, doors, trim, benches, and clocks. You can also use it on small wooden decorative items—just take care to avoid other materials such as metal. This polish isn’t great to use on floors, since it can get quite slippery. It checks all the other boxes, though.

Price at time of publish: $17

Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Almond | For Use On: Finished wood, including tables, chairs, office and bedroom furniture, cabinets, panels, doors, trim, benches, and clocks

Best Budget

Favor Brilliant Shine Furniture Polish, Fresh Lemon Scent

Favor Brilliant Shine Furniture Polish

Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like
  • Works on various surfaces

  • Nice scent

  • Easy to apply

What We Don’t Like
  • Doesn’t condition

  • Need separate application cloth

This spray from Favor cleans well and has a fresh lemon scent similar to other more expensive brands. It is also one of the most versatile cleaners and can be used on wood, marble, granite, and stainless steel. In that way, it saves you from having to buy separate products, all while being budget-friendly itself.

Now, because it is so versatile, the formula is made to be a cleaner rather than a wood conditioner. However, it immediately tackles dust and dirt, and doesn’t leave a waxy residue behind. The aerosol spray bottle makes it super easy to apply, but you'll need a cloth to wipe it away. Make sure you wipe off any excess, since it doesn’t get worked into the wood grain, to enhance the look and shine of your furniture.

Price at time of publish: $3

Type: Spray | Amount: 9.7 ounces | Scent: Lemon | For Use On: Wood surfaces, marble, granite, and stainless steel

Best Eco-Friendly

ECOS Furniture Polish + Cleaner

ECOS Furniture Polish + Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • EPA Safer Choice product

  • Cruelty-free

  • Works on various surfaces

What We Don’t Like
  • Doesn’t condition well

  • Pricier than other options

If you favor a greener cleaning routine, this is a good option to add to your home. This spray is made of olive and orange oil for an environmentally friendly formula that polishes, cleans, and smells great. If you are sensitive to scents, this is also a great, milder option. Just know that it cleans well but doesn’t condition as effectively as some thicker waxes and liquid formulas. However, if you want to spray and wipe away fingerprints and dirt without worrying about the chemicals or strong scents in your cleaner, this is the choice for you.

The ECOS Furniture Polish + Cleaner is also safe for septic systems, cruelty-free, and certified by the EPA Safer Choice program. The company ensures that manufacturing of the product is carbon-neutral and water-neutral, and uses renewable energy. So, not only does the product itself keep the environment safe, the entire production process does, too. We also love that it works well on various surfaces, including wood, Formica, particleboard, and vinyl.

Price at time of publish: $12

Type: Spray | Amount: 22 ounces | Scent: Orange | For Use On: Wood, Formica, particle board, and vinyl

Best for Unfinished Wood

Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish & Conditioner

Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish & Conditioner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Cleans and conditions

  • Creates protective barrier

What We Don’t Like
  • Need separate application cloth

  • Can stain fabrics

Most furniture polish is formulated to work on finished wood, which makes Howard Wood Polish a great option to have in your cleaning supplies. It can be used on finished or unfinished wood, and it enhances the wood grain when applied. It is formulated with carnauba wax and beeswax and promises to create a protective coat on the wood. Not only does this help condition and moisturize, but it also keeps the surfaces from getting scratched and dinged.

The orange scent is strong, but not overpowering for most. This is a thicker formula that requires some effort to work into the wood grain. Use a cloth or rag you don’t mind throwing away. Since this product can stain, don’t put it in the laundry, where the wax can get onto other clothing and linens, too. As a plus, the product is super affordable.

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Wax | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Orange | For Use On: Finished and unfinished wood

Best Oil

Old English Wood Conditioner & Cleaner

Old English Wood Conditioner & Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cleans and conditions

  • Leaves a shiny finish

  • Brings out color

  • Safe for light and dark wood

What We Don’t Like
  • Need separate application cloth

  • Can rust metal if left on

  • Can stain fabrics

This lemon-scented oil is a great option if you want to clean and condition at the same time. You will need a separate application tool, such as a rag or sponge. However, once you have your tool in hand, just put a small amount of the oil on the rag, and wipe it onto your wood surface. It is safe to use on light and dark wood, although you only want to use a small amount to make sure that it works into the grain.

You can also pour it directly onto the wood surface and then wipe the excess away. However, for smaller wood surfaces, this results in a lot of waste and the need to replace the container more often. Notably, the oil works on wood to bring out a shine and reduce any haze that builds up over time. Make sure not to get the oil on metal parts, because it can lead to rust. You should also take care to avoid furniture and other textiles that can be stained by the oil. 

Price at time of publish: $4

Type: Liquid | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Lemon | For Use On: Light and dark wood surfaces

Best Wipes

Pledge Expert Care Wood Wipes

Pledge Expert Care Wood Wipes

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to use

  • Portable

  • Work on various surfaces

What We Don’t Like
  • Don't condition

  • Pricier than other options

The traditional lemon scent of Pledge is strong in these cleaning wipes that are portable and easy to use. They can be used on wood, furniture, granite, leather, marble, plastic, stainless steel, and quartz. (However, they may not work as well as cleaners specially formulated for some of these surfaces, especially stone.) Just keep in mind that these are meant for cleaning, not conditioning, and are best for small messes or touch-ups. Using them for deep cleaning isn’t as effective and gets quite expensive.

We love that they are handy to carry around and use anywhere due to the resealable pouch. They also create a protective barrier and will remove fingerprints, dust, smudges, and smears to reveal a shiny finish. This formula is also offered in an aerosol spray, if you want something that’s a little less wasteful.

Price at time of publish: $6

Type: Wipes | Amount: 24 | Scent: Lemon | For Use On: Wood, granite, laminate, leather, marble, plastic, stainless steel, and quartz

Best for Dust

Endust Multi-Surface Dusting Spray

Endust Multi-Surface Dusting Spray

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works on various surfaces

  • Leaves a shiny finish

  • Can apply directly to cleaning cloth

What We Don’t Like
  • Doesn’t condition

  • Can run out quickly

This formula traps dust when you apply it. It is safe for various surfaces, including finished wood, cabinets, finished leather, paneling, stainless steel, car interiors, windowsills, blinds, and even floors. It also comes in a larger spray container, offering a great value. You don’t need to use a lot, but expect to go through it quickly, if you use it on as many surfaces as you can. Fortunately, the 12.5-ounce bottle is super affordable and easy to replace.

The recommended use is to spray this cleaner directly on your cleaning cloth or rag, which you need to supply separately. This means you can use it with a duster, rag, or other application cloth. It also keeps the product from being wasted. Keep in mind that this cleaner targets dust. It doesn’t work as a conditioner or moisturizer. While it does give a slight shine, it won’t improve the condition of your wood over time. We love the fresh lemon scent it gives off, though, so you will know that your home is fresh and clean.

Price at time of publish: $7

Type: Spray | Amount: 12.5 ounces | Scent: Lemon zest | For Use On: Finished wood, cabinets, finished leather, paneling, stainless steel, car interiors, windowsills, blinds, and floors

Best for Leather

Leather Honey Leather Cleaner

Leather Honey Leather Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cleans and conditions

  • Easy to apply

  • Works on various surfaces

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricier than other options

  • Need separate application cloth

To clean and condition leather and vinyl, this liquid cleaner is the absolute best. It is expensive, but it does everything you might need to keep your leather furniture in the best shape possible. It is ideal for car upholstery and leather furniture, because it is easy to apply with a cleaning cloth. We love that it is odorless, so it’s great for those with sensitivities. It also restores old and cracked leather and works for light, dark, dyed, and exotic leather.

You will need to get a separate application cloth and make sure that the product doesn’t run or pool. It comes in a small container, but you should only need to apply it periodically once your leather is restored. The larger size is ready to apply, while the smaller bottle is concentrated and needs to be mixed with water before use.

Price at time of publish: $17

Type: Liquid | Amount: 4 or 8 ounces | Scent: Unscented | For Use On: Leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, faux leather

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray. It is an easy-to-use spray that conditions and cleans in one application. For a budget-friendly cleaner that can work around the entire house, consider the Favor Spray Furniture Polish Spray. It won’t condition, but does have a nice scent that'll make your home feel nice and clean.

What to Look for in a Furniture Polish

Ease of Use

Furniture polish comes in sprays, liquids, wipes, and waxes. Wipes—such as our best wipes pick, the Pledge Lemon Enhancing Wipes—are the easiest to use and don’t require any extra application tools. However, they are expensive and often don’t include conditioners or moisturizers. Liquids or waxes usually work the best to moisturize, but they can get messy and almost always require a separate cloth or rag to be applied.

Sprays—including our best overall pick, the Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray, and our best budget pick, the Favor Spray Furniture Polish Spray—are a good mixture of being easy to apply and effective.

Purpose

Some furniture polish works to clean and get rid of dust and dirt. Other products clean, as well as condition and moisturize the wood. Consider what you need your furniture polish to do. Formulas that condition are often more expensive than just cleaners. You may want to use different products periodically through the year, opting for less expensive cleaners for routine use and conditioners as needed. 

Keep in mind what surface you’re trying to condition. Some polishes are made for wood, stainless steel, and other common household surfaces, whereas others are only made for a single surface. When looking for a wood polish, ensure that it works on the type of wood your furniture is. For example, some wood polishes are for finished wood, while others are made for unfinished wood surfaces—like our best for unfinished wood pick, the Howard Wood Polish & Conditioner.

Scent

Furniture polishes often use citrus-based scents, such as lemon or orange. These can be chemical-based or derived from essential oils that actually help the product polish and clean your surfaces. A few are available in unscented varieties for those who are sensitive to smells or chemicals.

FAQ
  • How do you polish furniture?

    The best method to polish furniture depends on the type of cleaner or conditioner you use. Liquid cleaners can be applied directly to the furniture or to an application cloth. Then, you can work the product into the wood grain and wipe away any excess.

    Sprays are best applied directly to the furniture, but you will need to wipe away extra polish with a cloth or rag. Wipes are the easiest to use, and they only require that you take one out of the package and wipe it along the furniture.

  • How often should you use furniture polish on wood furniture?

    Cleaners can be used as needed to remove dirt, smudges, and fingerprints. You can use most daily, but you should be careful to wipe away any excess so it does not build up. Waxes and liquids that condition should be used less frequently.

    If you are restoring old or dry wood, use polish more frequently. Once it is conditioned, you can moisturize and condition every few weeks.

  • Does furniture polish remove scratches?

    Furniture polish will not fill in deep scratches or grooves, but it can condition small scratches to be less noticeable. If you are trying to get a scratch out, condition and moisturize the wood frequently to help it blend seamlessly into the surrounding wood. Some furniture polish creates a protective barrier, which can reduce scratches in the first place.

  • How do you make homemade furniture polish?

    There are a few recipes that make reliable furniture polish right at home. Vinegar and lemon juice is a popular choice that is easy and chemical-free and leaves a nice scent. You can also combine olive oil and lemon juice for added conditioning power. Just make sure to label your cleaner so you know what is inside.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for furniture polishes with various uses—including cleaners, conditioners, and protective polishes. She also talked to California-based cleaning expert Anne Knowing about the importance of finding the right product for each need.