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I agree with taking it outside and scraping it. If it's wood the "stuff" might have soaked in a bit, which will mean sanding and then refinishing the door.

To be honest, it would probably be safer and easier to replace the door. It doesn't have to be a new one, just new-to-you. There are ways to scrounge good doors for cheap or free.

Leave the old door with the landlord so they can see how "clean" it was.

I agree with taking door off and doing it outside (rain permitting!!). I cannot believe that landlords expect people to deal with this sort of filth...must be very niave of me We have just relet a three bed house (OHs pension fund!!) and had it redecorated throughtout, carpets and cooker cleaned, but felt guilty that I left a big pile of hedge trimmings in the garden!
Having said that, the last tennant left without paying 2 mths rent and the place was filthy...I spent a week cleaning it up before someone else came in.
Hope its all lovely for her soon.

Problem solved! She's moved house

I kept sending her your suggestions and she got it as clean as she could but it never looked nice - I think the bad stain/varnish job didn't help. She had the rest of the house looking quite shiny, but hated the neighbourhood so much she couldn't stay there and after just 4 weeks, she has moved to a different house - also pretty mucky, but not quite as bad. Ah well. Keeps her out of mischief and she's much closer to home now which is comforting.

Thank you for all your replies and support

Rosendula wrote:Problem solved! She's moved house
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Good Plan

I don't normally advocate this, but spray the door with hairspray then rub it with a warm soapy cloth it should do the trick.

moving is the best plan, but for future reference if bicarb isn't strong enough use washing soda in BOILING water and a really good scrubbing brush with a handle so you don't have to put your hands in the stuff [this also works a treat on wet mould]