Cleaning and Stain Removal - sticky wood surface

The chairbacks at the restaurant where I work are very sticky due to handling and I am in charge of finding a solution to the problem. Can anyone offer a resolution?

Sounds like grease and oils from hands. I would use a oil soap in hottest water possible mixture as directed. Take a rag soak, wring out and wipe down. Frequent dunking of the rags and getting fresh water will be needed. Some citris based products out there are also available in RTU wipes that can degrease and clean. As long as they are quaility cleaners and not watered down. Check at your local home improvement stores. Regular cleaning of the chairs will help keep the build up to a mim. Im sure the first time you guys tackle the job its going to take a long time.

If chair backs are made of wood the finish has deteriorated over time and become sticky. Salty body oil on fingers and greasy hands from diners will break down finish if not kept clean. You will not be able to restore the finish unless the chairs are refinished. Cleaning with a wood furniture cleaner will alleviate some of the stickiness, but you will likely find that you will not eliminate it.