What type of cleaner should be used to remove "hand sludge" from a varnished wood railing?

Question

You know what I'm talking about, right? That dark grey sludge that builds up on hand rails over the years? I inherited a case of sludgy hand-rails when I bought my first house and I'd like to clean them.

I've tried using lemon oil-based polish and lots of scrubbing. It helps to an extent, but only on lightly trafficked parts of the rails.

Can anyone recommend a cleaner that will help dissolve this junk but not harm (and preferably protect) the varnished wood?

I tried that, actually. It just shredded the magic eraser. I do like those things, though. — Charles Burns, Apr 01 '13 at 20:40
what about this? http://www.fromtimespast.com/HowtoRefinishVarnishedWoodworkwithoutRemoval.htm — Engineer2021, Apr 01 '13 at 21:03

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 02 '13 at 02:12

1

I would suggest turpentine and 0000 steel wool, alternating with paper towel first. If not clean enough, Proceed to the ammonia treatment described by 0A0D. The oil step also sounded good.

answered Apr 02 '13 at 02:12

HerrBag

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score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 02 '13 at 17:41

0

I'd try Murphy's Oil Soap. It's generally excellent for this kind of thing.

answered Apr 02 '13 at 17:41

Bob

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What type of cleaner should be used to remove "hand sludge" from a varnished wood railing?

2 Answers2