How do I clean an oak armoire before painting it?

Rene....I would clean with a damp rag of warm water and Dawn...

I know that a lot of painters use denatured alcohol on a rag to clean since it doesn't leave wet marks, you don't need to wait for it to dry as it evaporates quickly.

Hands down I use TSP, it cleans anything.

TSP is the way to go! It's the best, in my mind, to clean with before painting. I don't think Walmart sells it but Lowes or Home Depot should and maybe a hardware store. Be sure to use gloves when cleaning with it.

Scuff with steel wool and then clean with denatured alcohol or TSP.

Odorless mineral spirits works very well, removes dirt and grease. Follow instructions.

TSP and warm water. Soap will leave a residue. Mineral spirits evaporate too quick.

You can also use Krud Kutter cleaner degreaser spray and a microfiber cloth.

Again, hands down TSP, but the wood is too beautiful to paint, I am one of those who just love the natural beauty and grain in wood. Please reconsider and refinish if you have to do something to this magnificent piece of furniture.

What is TSP? I just recently bought an old solid oak wood bedroom set and I am sure it needs to be cleaned up.

JENNIFER -- TSP is to prepare surfaces for painting. On your old bedroom set use ORANGE GLO -- wood cleaner - restorer - polish--- gets rid of grime down to the original varnish-finish ... and makes anything old look brand new! Will even get rid of water marks on varnished surfaces. You will notice that dust does not settle and cling to the wood like it does on any other "furniture polished" items. Use the Orange-Glo on all of your other wood furniture too. You'll be EXTREMELY pleased with the look, and cleanliness!!!

RENEE --- that armoire is FANTASTIC -- clean it with ORANGE-GLO wood cleaner-restorer-polish -- DO NOT PAINT that piece-- it is tooo beautiful to ruin with paint! Besides, painting it will totally destroy it's value ...