The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I want to pick some brains here about very dirty wood cabinet cleaning. GoJo (non-pumice) I understand is the best for cleaning really dirty wood. Second I also understand that lemon oil is terrible to use and that Howards Orange oil is much better. And third I read here on the forum somewhere about a product called Scotts liquid gold but I've never tried it or found it out by where I live. The reason for my question is I recently picked up two very solid upright phonographs that were in an old house for many years and all the people smoked cigarettes or cigars. You can actually smell the smoke on the wood. Otherwise they are in excellent condition, one Silvertone in oak, and one Edison Hepplewhite also in oak. Both are almost black as they are so dirty..... The insides are clean. Opinions appreciated as I have never dealt with such dirty wood like these....

You answered your own question. Non-pumice GoJo or Goop, probably in multiple applications, is your best bet. There are instructions and comments in many posts on the board.

You may also want to read the many threads posted regarding this issue in our 'tips & tech' section.. . I have personally found using Fantastic (sprayed onto paper towel) to work the best. It will remove all the residue from smoking, etc... and not hurt the finish. I stress that you apply the product onto the paper towel and not directly onto the wood. You will need lots of paper towel and changing it frequently.
Once the towel shows clean. I would let the machine stand for a day and then use a good 'natural' paste wax.

Oil products (like Scott's) are nice. However, oil can penetrate and damage a finish. So, that is not what I would do.
Scott's does make a piece look 'wet' for a time and certainly easier than wax to apply. However, short term gain can have negative consequences in the long term.