How to remove dull wax build-up on wood

Q: How can I remove a thick, dull wax build-up on a piece of antique furniture? It's on the top of a round oak table that I inherited from my mother.

A: What you need is a very mild solvent, a very mild abrasive and a very mild approach. I'd start by applying a tiny amount of citrus-based solvent to a small, hidden (but finished) area of the table and see what happens. You're checking to make sure that the finish itself is safe from the solvent. Try a very small spot, then keep observing it for a day or so to make sure that the finish remains unaffected. A product called 'Goo Gone' has worked well for me in situations like yours. You'll also find wax removers made especially for removing excess polish. If the solvent alone doesn't remove all the dull wax, try gently rubbing the surface with #0000 steel wool. This is the finest grade that's commonly available, and very soft. Don't use anything coarser.