Cleaning up wood banister

[Deke]

Years ago I saw an episode of This Old House and they cleaned up an old blackened staircase banister without stripping it. Of course I didn't write down what they did, but it seemed pretty simple. I'd like to clean up our old wood banister, but I have no idea what to start with. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Deke]

Nothing? No advice? How about cleaning any dirty old wood?

 

[tjbnwi]

Is there a finish under the grime?

If so a diluted citrus cleaner.

Tom

 

[gkaiseril]

Start by cleaning the banister and then see how it was finished and then decide the best method to remove the finish.

If it is not painted look at Howards's Restore a Finish. They also have some material on how and when to use their product.