Tongue and groove grime

Q: We are removing 3/4″ X 2 1/2″ oak flooring from an old farm house. Do you have any advice as “How” to remove the dirt, grime, soot, etc. in the “tongue and groove area”. The dirt is packed in and hard to remove with a stiff brush.

A: I would think it is a lot of hard, patient slogging, unless you want to get creative and set up a router table with a bit to clean out the areas. I wish I had more to offer.