Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Clean dirty raw wood prior to finishing

I have a pair of speakers that I have tested with lemon oil and determined they are raw wood with no finish. Problem is the wood is 10-15 years old and does have many dirt marks and some stains that I would like to remove prior to finishing. I would like to do it as much as possible using a cleaner, since the outer birch wood veneer appears to be 1/16 inch. I am afraid sanding it out of the question, I think I will use fine steel wool instead after cleaning. What products should I use to try and clean the wood first to remove dirt out of the grain? Should I just use denatured alcohol or mineral spirits? Will that effect the glue bond between the plywood and the birch veneer?

Thanks,

Mike.

Mike:

Many hardware stores and most home centers offer products specifically for the task you outlined. The one I use in my shop is called "Kleenzwood", and works very well. I've even been able to remove grade marks from framing lumber with it.

If you can't find that (or something similar) I'd use Acetone. Lacquer thinner might work, but acetone will do a better job, and it's available by the quart for a reasonable price.

There is always a possibility the veneer may loosen, but chances are relatively small. If this does happen, you can usually iron it back in place - literally. Use a regular iron on medium setting and apply just like you were ironing a table cloth - the combination of heat and pressure will reattach most veneers without any problem.

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George