Cleaning a victor 18 with gojo, using 0000 steel wool.

[Victrolaman]

I got a nice victor 18 today and the finish is extremely dark almost black, I did the top of the lid and sides of it with just orange gojo, let it set a few mins and wiped it off, it was very dirty, but it's still is very dirty, my question is can I lightly use 0000 steel wool on it? I think that will help,
I know most of you swear by the gojo and I have used it other machines with great results, but. Never had a cabinet this dark, you can't even see the grain in the wood, I think it's dark mahogany. Someone posted a topic last week showing a 18, mine is the same color but it's so dark. Can't even see the grain in the wood.
How long should I let the gojo sit on the wood and how should I use the steel wool. I think mine is so dark I may need to do a few cleanings.
I did notice though after I did the lid, when I wiped it off, it felt tacky? Is this normal? I thought I ruined the original finish but it seems ok

[beaumonde]

Hi...First of all, I wouldn't use the orange Gojo, as it has pumice, and might be too abrasive (esp. with any sort of steel wool, and even with the dirt). I am using the original formulation in the white tub, and apply with my hands, leave on for 10 minutes, and wipe off thoroughly with paper towels. I was advise by OrthoSean to wait a day between treatments, as the cabinet has to dry between applications, lest the finish get congealed or gunky. So far I have done 3 treatments, and while it looks much brighter, brown gunk is still coming off, so I expect to have to do at least 2 more over the weekend (then Feed 'n Wax). I think you should be patient; you might have to do twice as many applications! But you will see a difference eventually.

[Jerry B.]

My experience is with Kotton Klenser (sp?) but I've read where the product is very similar to Gojo . I use 0000 steel wool with Kotton Klenser. I would suggest picking a small area like the back side of the lid, dip the steel wool in the KK and gently rub back and forth with the grain. After a few moments, you should see the lightly colored KK turning darker from the gunk on the cabinet. After you've cleaned one area, wipe is dry with a paper towel and move the next small area. KK and I suspect Gojo seems to soften the finish for a day or two. For that reason, I'd suggest waiting a few days before you go at it again if that's what you think it needs. I hope this helps you. Jerry Blais

[Victrolaman]

Hi guys, thanks Jerry. Yes this is the non pumice in the white tub, I don't know why I said orange. I put it on, and only let it set about 2 mins, maybe I'm not leaving it on long enough then? I was told if you leave it on to long you can hurt the finish. But even in that little bit of time the gunk was black and dirty. And smelled like smoke? Cigi and cigar lol
Just the one time I just did the lid I noticed a difference. But I think I'm going to have to do this a few times.
So it's good to leave it on 10 mins! That seems a long time but I will try it, as far as the steel wool im just lightly rubbing with the grain, just the weight of my hand really. The finish on this is so dark, looks nothing like the persons 18 in the post below mine, but his was no where near as bad as mine is either before he cleaned his.
I mean the 17 and 18's both had book matched doors didn't they? I know on my 17 the grain is very nice.
I will try and let it se a little longer and work on it tomorrow some more.
Geesh I bet this thing was by a huge fireplace in a parlor and the owner smoked cigars terrible.