Cleaning dirty oak stair treads

[terrifictimbersllc]

Took out carpeting on some stairs, found nice looking oak treads underneath that I want to refinish.  Not fresh looking though, believe just dirty.  One option is to sand them to a fresh look, however I'm wondering if there is a good product to just clean them, then lightly sand to a fresh appearance.

Anyone have experience cleaning, rather than sanding, dirty wood flooring?

[beenthere]

The dirt is likely embedded in the large pores of the oak, which makes it hard to lift/remove by cleaning.

But I'd suggest trying a solution of oxalic acid (or some chlorine bleach) to see how well that does at cleaning up the wood. Doubt it will be perfect but may be enough to be able to enjoy the oak treads.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

You may try an air hose. I've cleaned wood with air pressure before and then sanded.

[21incher]

If you just want to clean them up and not refinish, I have had good luck with murphy's oil soap if the finish is not seriously damaged. It does a good job at lifting the crud from the pores. .

[terrifictimbersllc]

Thank you all for your suggestions.  I'm  going to try air first.  I should have stated that these treads are not finished.  Raw wood. 

[submarinesailor]

Believe it or not, but I have had good luck with Orange Go-Jo hand cleaner.  Had an old oak 4' step ladder that I cleaned with Go-Jo, a brush and rags for wipe off.

Bruce

[5quarter]

If you're going to use compressed air, use it with a fine bristle brush. Oxalic acid bleaches out organic stains and will turn the oak a pale yellow. MEK is a good cleaner; does not evaporate as quick as acetone and leaves a really clean surface. use a respirator both with the air and the chemical.