Cleaning a dirty oak handrail

[buckaroo]

The handrail on our oak bannister has 22 years of people grease and dirt on it. We tried cleaning it with Murphy's Oil Soap and got lots of dirty water that is gradually getting clearer, but it looks like there is still dirt embedded in the grain. I'm wondering if continued application of elbow grease is what's needed, or If I should try some kind of solvent. I'd like to get it to match the rest of the wood of the bannister. I still have some of the original stain that was used.
Any suggestions?

 

[Martin Roper]

A cleaner with orange oil might work or Simple Green. If not, just call it *patina*.

 

[Tach]

Try using mineral spirits mixed with some linseed oil. 2 parts solvent to 1 part oil. Use 0000 steel wool to apply and work it in. Should clean it up really good and also feed the wood.

 

[CharlieGator]

Try using mineral spirits mixed with some linseed oil. 2 parts solvent to 1 part oil. Use 0000 steel wool to apply and work it in. Should clean it up really good and also feed the wood.

Thanks for the suggestion. I too have some handrails that need cleaning