Mineral spirits is a (rather weak) solvent for wax. The normal rules of cleaning are TACT: - Time (dwell time) - Agitation (rubbing, in this case) - Chemical (using the right solvent) - Temperature (ambient or solution temperature) If you look at any cleaning you do (washing machine, dish washer, personal shower, car wash, carpet cleaning, etc.) you will see these in action. Generally speaking, when one of these is decreased, you need to increase one or more of the others to get the same cleaning result. So, yes, time will help. Removing wax does take a lot of work, and frequent turning or replacing of towels so you don't just smear it around. But it is also possible you are using the wrong solvent. Have you tried cleaning with detergent and water first. MS is a non-polar solvent and is good for non-polar stains (wax, ink, oils, etc.) Water is a polar solvent and is good for polar stains (dirt, smoke, body oils, foods and beverages.) When I do furniture cleaning, I start with Dawn and water and many times that's all I need. I use a strong alkaline cleaner if there is a lot of soot or tobacco smoke. Silicone oil in Pledge is inert, so I'm not sure anything removes it. Even stripping furniture and rinsing with strong solvents like acetone will leave silicone oil. I think the linked article is just what you need. Here is a link that might be useful: saving the finish

Try lacquer thinner instead of mineral spirits. Use some 3/0 steel wool, wipe up the goo immediately, with the grain; try to have whole surface "wet" at the same time (to prevent lap marks) Stripeeze is one of those paste type strippers, IIRC? I avoid those, using only the liquid type- Kutzit's my fave. It rinses off way easier than the heavy kind. Casey

Here's what I do on my Maple butcher block when I have a stain, (even works on red wine) cut a lemon in half, scrub the butcher block with the open lemon. Wipe excess with damp paper towel, allow to air dry, and re-coat with mineral oil.

Look for a product that is a degreasing agent. Any local cleaning supply company will sell you a product that is made to remove grease. Follow the instructions on the bottle. I usually liberally spray the surface with the degreasing agent and let it dwell for a few minutes. Then use a Dobie pad to scrub it before wiping off the surface with a soft microfiber cloth. In case you're wondering, a Dobie pad is a soft foam pad that is covered with a plastic net mesh (no scratches) making it great for loosening grease. They can be bought at most grocery stores, Target and Walmarts. Hope this helps.