cleaning unfinished kitchen cabinents

[alkazoo]

hello forum,
I own a 40 yo cabin which has unfinished/bare wood knotty pine kitchen cabinents and drawers. Of course over the years,they have become grease stained and spotted around the handles etc...Im leery about trying any type of liquid cleaner since it would probably leave even worse stains. Is my only resort to remove and sand? then finish? If that is the only way to go, what type of clear sealer can i put on them once sanded to retain the natural look? Any advice appreciated...thankyou

[BrisBen]

Hey there Alkzoo

Maybe you could try some sort of Fluid Hydrocarbon type cleaner (shellite, napthalene, lighter fluid) to remove the natural buildup of oils and the like.

That will probably remove a lot of oils and resins that are on the surface

But you should also remember one of the golden rules of timber:

• If you want to try something you are not sure of, test it where it won't be obvious.

Timber is porous; 40(?) years of lunch, sweat and tears, beers, sunlight, hot and cold is bound to have penetrated (and characterised), the untreated timber.

If you want it to look like you just made it, sand it back to raw and coat it with polyurethane. Kinda glossy and sterile but fairly hard wearing.

Although sometimes, I think the natural look comes from use

[soundman]

I recon good old fashond mineral turps would be the go.
Sorry you yanks call it mineral spirit I think.
A good lot of clean rag & some scotchbrite.
Followed by some form of oil varnish blend like danish oil. A good two bob each way bet. It will be reasonably durable & reasonably rustic.
I think ? :confused:
cheers