Cleaning Old Bows

[neuse]

I have a couple of Bear bows that are dirty and grimy looking.

What is the best method for cleaning and restoring the shine.

Thank You,
Byron

[Blackhawk]

Funny you should ask...

A similar question was asked on another site, and an "experienced" gentleman recommended going to Home Depot and getting a bottle of REJUVENATE floor restorer.

Here's a quote from the site:

Rejuvenate® 32oz FLOOR Restorer  
Designed for older floors that are showing their age and wear, Rejuvenate Floor Restorer & Protectant is a polymer-based floor finish that is not only amazing at refinishing hardwood floors, but works wonders on almost any kind of flooring. Rejuvenate floor restorer will simplify almost any floor refinishing job, be it hardwood, wood laminates, ceramic tile, terrazzo, terracotta, slate, flagstone, vinyl/linoleum, cork, cement, fiberglass, and finer polished stone such as marble. In addition to filling in scratches, it revives floors, brings back long-lost shine and seals and protects against damage such as stains and UV rays that cause fading.

Well, I picked up a bottle for under $20, but have not got around to trying it.  This has possibilities.  Also, note that I was told to make sure it was "floor restorer" and not the stuff for furniture.  It's supposed to be fantastic at removing/hiding scratches and bringing back a shine.

[kenscollick]

I use a good car polish and apply it with 0000 steel wool

[neuse]

Ok. thank you.

Rejuvenate sounds good, but I think I first need to scrub off the grime.

Steel wool and polish sounds like it will work, I have boith and will try it out.

[Drewster]

I recently cleaned a grimy old bow with Clorox Green Works and it did a great job.....even the leather grip.  Amazing how dirty the rag was when I got finished.  I've also cleaned old bows with Murphey's Soap Oil......a good non-abrasive cleaner for wood items.  I would NOT use steel wool or abrasive pads unless you plan to refinish the bow.  They will cut into the existing finish and dull it.  A good cleaning and a high quality paste wax will work wonders.

[reddogge]

Howard's Restor-A-Finish is the same type of product. I've used it on old gunstocks successfully.