How do I safely clean original knotty pine paneling and cabinets from
the 50's that have a pale stain/varnish finish and some water damage 6
inches from floor that is a shade lighter. I don't want to change the
finish, but do want to remove 50 years of grime, as easily as possible

Hello zena1990-ga,

I am going to recomend to you a very diluted solution of TSP. TSP has
always worked great for me on wood and walls, and since your wood has
a light varnish/stain, I reccomed doing a test area to make sure it
will not hurt your varnish and or wood, and diluting the recomended
strength in 1/2. I've used it myself on varnished wood before and it
was fine, but please...do a test area.

http://doitbest.com/shop/product.asp?dept_id=3220&sku=786187

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, andother great cleaner for wood I
have found is Oxyclean. I personally break out the Oxyclean (1 scoop
per gallon of warm water) when I can't get dirt or grime off with
anything else.

"Oxiclean is a high energy stain remover that uses the power of oxygen
to clean and deodorize."

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yoospot/oxiclean.html

If this answer requires further explanation, please request
clarification before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into this
further.
Nenna-GA
Google Answers Researcher

I did something similar in my grandmother's house. I'm not sure there
is an "easy" way. I chose to use a generic version of pine-sol, and a
sponge. This will remove grime in layers; just keep cleaning until the
sponge comes clean. It won't solve the water damage stains, though.
For this, you might consider a product like "Restore-a-Finish," which
is available at many antique and home improvement stores.

Good luck!
Kriswrite