Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500186
06/24/03
Cleaning Wood - Paneled Walls and Woodwork
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.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .