Re. Murphy's Oil Soap: For polyeurethaned hardwood floors you should NOT use Murphy's Oil Soap. The company I use for screen-and-coat touch-ups specifically asked if I had used Murphy's because evidently if it has been used the screen-and-coat won't finish properly. They say to only use vinegar and warm water and a mop or cloth wrung until almost dry. I have no idea if this applies to engineered hardwoods. HTH.

The best way to clean furniture for painting depends on the current finish and condition as well as the desired finish. If you only want a distressed paint finish you may not need to be as thorough as if you want a very fine smooth painted finish. If the piece is really dirty I have used Murphy's Oil Soap or TSP, rinsed with the hose (on the patio!), and dried quickly with old terry towels. Then let the piece dry for another day, sand if necessary, and stain or paint. When DH painted our kitchen cabinets he used mineral spirits which removes grease. For an alligatored finish you can use denatured alcohol or laquer thinner to remove shellac or lacquer. Sometimes with old pieces there are years of wax imbedded with dust and dirt which needs to be removed or the paint won't adhere and mineral spirits or denatured alcohol will remove that. It's necessary to use good gloves and work in a well ventilated area as the stuff is quite toxic. There's a product called "Citrus Natural Solvent" I'd like to try as it's supposed to be more environmentally friendly than other products.

After reading the posts, I had already tried Sprayway, Stainless Steel Magic, Mr Clean Erasers(once), vinegar and water. But never Pledge. As I only had the orange Pledge I thought what the ****, I'll try it. I used the Micro Fiber towel ( Yes the ones from Costco for cars). It was wonderful and quick. My French Door frig, my dishwasher and range look great and all in five minutes. I call my husband Shrek as he never thinks about using the handles, but now I have a quick fix. Thanks to those that suggested it.

Thank you all so much for your replies. Guess it's lookin good for the brushed nickel. After going round and round, I think I am going to get a Rohl faucet to go with my Rohl farmsink. I wanted the copper color but was told that the finish will eventually wear off a little in the most touched areas. I have very creamy cabs with rust glaze and rust hardware. Thought the rust/copper color would be good for faucet, but now I think the brushed nickel would be good and tie in some to my stainless steel appliances. Hope I'm right. Thanks again!