I used a toothbrush for the checkering after i let it the linseed oil sit in the checkering for a few minutes to loosen the old dirt. For the rest of the stock i just brushed on linseed oil and wiped clean with a soft cloth. That took off all the old dirt without messing up the original finish. I just finished up cleaning a 1937 mauser 98 rifle and will try to get some pics of it later to post. I didnt find steel wool necessary but these rifle stocks were in very nice shape other than alot of built up dirt and grime from years of use then sitting in someones closet for the last 20-40 years.
