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

 

[Tach]

This same mixture works for old cabinets, doors, etc. that are clear finished with varnish, polyurethane, and even shellac.

 

[Tarhead]

Naptha or Mohawk Wash Wax Remover work great for surface prep w/o water.
Mohawk | Wax Wash™ Remover M107-0190

 

[Jim Wallace]

George Franks always recommended using a wire brush (brass?) or a very stiff bristle brush on Oak or other porous woods.

 

[Leviblue]

Following, have a handrail similar condition.

 

[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.

Terry,
Used your recipe and my wife it!! She actually said she would do all the cleanong!!

 

[Ricksmi]

Terry I'm going to make a copy of this formula and make use of it.

 

[Tach]

Terry,
Used your recipe and my wife it!! She actually said she would do all the cleanong!!

Glad it worked well for you.

This is a modified version of what I learned years ago. My high school shop teacher taught us originally to use varsol and new motor oil. We even used it for rubbing down pieces between coats of lacquer. Since you can no longer get varsol, I began using the linseed oil and paint thinner and found that it works just as good.

I spent nearly 30 years working for Sherwin Williams and some other paint companies so I had lots of products to try over the years, but this is one that I go back to a lot.

 

[oldtexasdog]

This will be a keeper for me! Thanks