Cleaning wood without stripping

[LVACGAR]

I want to clean the wood well, but do not want to strip off the painted rack number. I would prefer not to sand at all. Suggestions?

[W.E.G.]

Give it a good scrub with Simple Green.

If you mess up the painted number, you have permission to re-paint it.

We won't tell.

[stand watie]

try Homer Formby's Furniture Refinisher w/the finest steel wool you can buy (i use 0000)- i've used it on PIANO finishes w/o damage to either the real finish or the patina of the wood!
it gets DECADES of filth,crud & waxes/polish off like magic.
for dixie,sw :D :D

[LVACGAR]

Excellent suggestions both. I have some simple green (duh)and will get some Formby's too. I would love to keep the patina but remove the dirt/grease/painted on preservative.