Cleaning old furniture!

If you want to restore a bit of old furniture, use 1 part vinegar, 1 part linseed oil, and one part white spirit.
Shake it well, and get yourself a roll of 0000 wire wool.
Try a patch where it doesn't matter too much, and with a piece of wire wool go round and round in small circles, if you like what you see pick an area 6 inches square, when you have gone all over it, wipe clean and go to the next square till it is completely clean.
If your piece is antique I recommend a good coat of Briwax, use it sparingly and with plenty of elbow grease you will have a nice piece.