Cleaning down below?

[Nostrodamus]

So I have got enough wood below to refurbish a stately home but during the winter I want to give a thorough clean. The wood is cherry and factory varnished 15 years ago.

We live aboard our boat so it is in constant use and believe a boat should be used and not just look nice.

What is the best way to clean and look after the wood down below? Is it best to just wipe it down or use a polish?

Any tips or advice is welcome

 

[Georgy Girl]

We also have 15 year old Cherry and used Pledge Soapy Wood cleaner, available from supermarkets for £2 - £3, which is for wooden kitchen doors, floors etc. Used it diluted which I think is as per the instructions. If you are feeling particularly virtuous you can finish off with a beeswax spray (can't remember the name but it is in a yellow can) which is wiped off with a soft cloth and makes the boat smell nice. Makes you realise just how much wood you have though!

 

[Stork_III]

We also have 15 year old Cherry and used Pledge Soapy Wood cleaner, available from supermarkets for £2 - £3, which is for wooden kitchen doors, floors etc. Used it diluted which I think is as per the instructions. If you are feeling particularly virtuous you can finish off with a beeswax spray (can't remember the name but it is in a yellow can) which is wiped off with a soft cloth and makes the boat smell nice. Makes you realise just how much wood you have though!

My woodwork cleaning and restoration operative (SWMBO) agrees with that.

 

[reeac]

I'm a great fan of Eezee Orange wood cleaner and polish which used to be obtainable from Kleeneezee. Can't find it now but Parker & Bailey Lemon Oil Polish from Lakeland seems to be equally effective. You wipe it on with a cloth and it has a miraculous cleaning and polishing effect for very little effort. Costs about £7 for 16 fl.oz. but a bottle lasts years even though we use it in the home as well as the boat. Leaves a fresh citrus smell and it's claimed to feed the wood as well..