Q&A for How to Clean Wood

Tough one. I would brush on a mixture of turpentine and linseed oil and wipe off immediately. Repeat, perhaps leaving mixture on a little longer, until you get the desired results. I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, but work with wood finishes a lot.

Let them dry out really well if there is any chance they are still wet. Sand them down with progressively finer grits of sandpaper (with a dust mask on) while determining if they are really worth your effort. If so, and the doors have a natural wood finish and look great after all your sanding, then seal them with either oil or water-based polyurethane (depending on the type of coating they had). If they need paint, prime them first with a good raw wood primer, then paint and seal with poly. If after sanding the damage is visible, but you're dedicated, then go OUTSIDE and apply coats of real shellac first before painting them. Shellac covers anything, but has a short working time. Read the label.

Use 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water. Spray on the panels and wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth.

Middle and fine grade sand paper is a good choice, even if it takes some time to clean it. Paint remover is also possible, but if there is just dirt on it, it won't help. Sanding is one of the best options. Wooden walking canes would also look good if just oiled after sanding. It is more natural and prevents the wood from getting dirty. You can actually feel the wood by using oil. There are special wood oils available, but a good olive-oil will do as well.

Use a wood cleaner or polisher and rub it on the surface.

Sand down the wood and then stain it again. If it is rotted through, there is nothing you can do.