Regular removal of dust with a soft cloth, or vacuum cleaner brush is all the cleaning needed for most wood- paneled walls and woodwork. Occasionally, if soil stick to the surface, clean with a commercial cleaner made for wood paneling, or a cleaning wax made for wood, following directions exactly. Always test a cleaner you have not tried before on a small inconspicuous area to be sure it does not damage the finish of the wood, before starting to clean.

In cleaning wood, the type of finish is most important in deciding what to use so that the finish is not injured. The type of wood is not important, except when color is a consideration.

Wood paneling and woodwork, with heavy, longtime buildup of grease and dirt may need stronger treatment. Moisten a cloth with a petroleum solvent such as mineral spirits and test by rubbing on a hidden spot to be sure it doesn't damage the wood finish. If satisfactory, use to rub on a small area of the soiled woodwork, turning the cloth.

CAUTION: Such solvents are very flammable and dangerous to breathe! Open doors and windows for ventilation. Be sure there are no sparks or flames (such as pilot lights) in the area!

If this solvent cleaning dulls the finish, apply a wax suitable for wood finish. Usually this will be a solvent-based wax which must be polished. Some spray-type solvent-based waxes will not need heavy polishing, but one must avoid spraying them on other surfaces.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus.



MSU 2003