KalamaQuilts

I'm finding the wood where I put my arms, on vintage machine cabinets is stickyish, I've tried stuff in my under sink arsenal hasn't touched it so cut up an old cutting mat and put it there works good, but I'd still like to have that years of other peoples cells off.

Rose_P

Murphy's Oil Soap should clean that kind of buildup off wood. If not, Old English or Liquid Gold might cut through it. A more drastic measure would be a Min-Wax product that is supposed to restore finishes. It comes as a saturated cloth in a sealed package. I can't think what it's called exactly, but a home improvement store should have someone who knows. It will require refinishing gloves and taking the piece outdoors for ventilation. I think the gumminess is a result of body oil or even sewing machine oil breaking down the old varnish, and once it's off you'll probably have to apply a new finish. Caution: if the piece has a veneer, refinishing products or anything wet could loosen the bond between the veneer and the wood under it. You might actually be better off trying a very fine sandpaper or #00000 steel wool.