On Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:57:35 -0700, Paul MR wrote:

The woodwork in the kitchen was last finished (polyurethane) over 30
years ago. Window sills and frames, door frames, wainscoting. It needs
redoing. Q: What's the best way to remove the grease that has
accumulated after 30 years of cooking and only occasional washing?
Tried with limited success: Fantastik and 409 straight from their spray
bottles and also a strong solution of Spic 'n' Span.

"Trisodium phosphate has been used by painters for years and years as
a heavy duty degreaser..."

TSP:

Buy the red box (TSP) and not the green box (TSP Free) from the local
(gasp) "borg".

http://www.savogran.com/Retail_Products/Cleaning_Products/cleaning_products.html