U R, on the right track. This could B years of "Pledge" build up, or only, the oil from the former owners hands. If the former owners had children, U would B wise to clean and sanitize them, in the first place. If U have children, just wipe them down once a day with a "Clorox" clean up wipes, once the residue is removed. Do the same thing with your door knobs as there, R more bacteria on them than the rim of a toilet. I was a health inspector,when I was younger.

Now, as 2 your problem. If U took "Chem." in high school or college, U, will remember that, like substances, attract, like substances. They also disolve 1 & other. Cleaning is all "Chem" and we thought, we would never use it! LOL

Just slather the hand rails with lemon oil or orange oil, and let it sit. Wipe it off with, dry paper towles, and repeat until the PT comes out clean. U will not B doing any harm 2 the wood. Just use a good wood polish or paste wax and U should B fine. If U have kids, just encourage the washing of hands! They have no idea!

Good luck! Enjoy your new home!

I have used mineral spirits to take the stickiness off of wooden tables. It did not harm the finish at all.

I'm another vote for mineral spirits. Test it on an out of the way spot first, but I think that'll be your solution.

We had a banister in the same shape and nothing worked on cutting 105 years of dirty hands going up and down the stairs.

We bought some "Wood Wash" ready to use made by Scott's Liquid Gold. IT WORKED!! We were totally amazed. We sprayed some on an old washcloth and ran our hand up part of the banister and the grime came off on the cloth!!

The wood was left in perfect condition (for being 105 years old). We had to throw several washcloths away though. The grime on them was more than I wanted to attempt to get out so we just trashed them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wood Wash- Ready to Use

I just finished cleaning years of dirt and grime off my beautiful oak banisters with a mixture I found on Google. Mix baking soda and mineral oil until it forms a thick paste. Rub it on an area with a microfiber cloth using a lot of elbow grease. Then wipe it off with a damp microfiber cloth. It's a messy job but the results are spectacular. Ten shades lighter!