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[JeanLouiseFinch]

We used to use flax soap to clean all the wood furniture.  Then it became hard to find so we switched to Murphy's Oil Soap.  You want to be careful to not use too much or you could leave behind a sticky residue.  After the cleaned piece of furniture dry, go back and finish with a good polish like Guardsman.

[Julie928]

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply.  There are some good suggestions here!  I appreciate it!  :-)

[Hodgemom]

Murphy's Oil Soap

[NickNack]

I would probably use Murphy's Oil Soap, too.  I also might go to an antique store and ask.  They might sell something that would be good to use.

[Mominohio]

Murphy's Oil soap!

A bucket with hot water, and just a tablespoon of Murphy's to start with. As another poster noted, too much can leave a sticky residue. 

Use a cloth that can be wrung out near dry (microfiber would be good for this), and keep a dry cotton rag (like old t-shirt or diaper) to buff dry the areas. Do not get the wood too wet, be sure to wring that rag out really well.

If there is a build up of old wax, grease from the kitchen, etc. this may not be enough. Then I'd go to a furniture restoring place and ask for advice.

[CAMOGIRL]

Liquid Gold.

[KatieB]

I would use Old English products.

[151949]

@Julie928 So what did you decide to do & how did it come out?

[Julie928]

@151949 ~ I bought a can of Liquid Gold and really like the way it worked.  The table & chairs weren't really that bad to begin with but needed a little "something."  Many thanks to everyone for their suggestions!  That's why I like coming here ~ you can always get good advice!  :-)