The Handyman's Pocket Book: Washing Furniture.

French polished furniture should be washed occasionally.  Warm a bucketful of rain water and add a little good-quality white soap to make a weak sue.  Dip a piece of cheese cloth or similar material into it and wash down.  Make a pad from a duster, and apply a little furniture cream.  Finally warm a clean polishing duster and rub vigorously to remove surplus cream and to bring to a good polish.  If the furniture seems greasy add a teaspoonful of paraffin to each pint of soap-water mixture, and stir thoroughly before use.