Cleaning woodwork

[All_at_Sea]

I've lost the thread l thought l posted on this???? But my woodwork is 1975 vintage and looking very old and tired. There are hand/dirt marks through time and l wondered if there is anything l can put on the wood to really clean it before sanding. Any suggestions. I'm going to re-varnish or polish or wax when done.

 

[Searush]

If it's a decent hardwood (like teak or similar) a Skarsten's scraper (if they still make them) is a good way to start. It takes tiny shavings off & reveals a lovely clean new surface which Deks Olje or similar will bring up to a fabulous colour - but needs re-oiling every few months.

Others use Oxalic Acid to bleach out stains or remove algae.

 

[Tranona]

I've lost the thread l thought l posted on this???? But my woodwork is 1975 vintage and looking very old and tired. There are hand/dirt marks through time and l wondered if there is anything l can put on the wood to really clean it before sanding. Any suggestions. I'm going to re-varnish or polish or wax when done.

Still running further down the page with a number of suggestions. Perhaps you really need to decide if you just want to clean it or strip and refinish as there is a big difference in how you go about it and the amount of work involved.

 

[Reverend Ludd]

Try here