Authentic paneled wainscoting can add a subtle touch of elegance to the interior of your home. So subtle, in fact, that you might forget to clean it. Its important to know how to clean wainscoting properly.
Neglecting your wainscoting can lead to a dusty or dirty surface, as household grime and dirt will naturally collect inside the crevices.
Fortunately, there’s not much work involved with cleaning authentic paneled wainscoting. Read on to learn how to make your wainscoting look its best.
Cleaning authentic paneled wainscoting
Have you ever cleaned wooden furniture or full-paneled walls? If so, the process of cleaning wainscoting will seem familiar. So, how to Clean Wainscoting?
There’s no special cleaning supplies needed, just standard household supplies. If you’re working with wood that hasn’t been sealed or painted, avoid liquid-based cleaning if at all possible. Your wood can absorb the liquid and eventually become prone to sticky buildup.
What you’ll need:
- Microfiber cloths
- A Sealable jar
- Vinegar
- Water
- Vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush
Follow these steps to keep your wainscoting clean:
- Use a soft brush or duster to wipe down the wainscoting. This will allow you to remove dust and debris. If you like, you can also vacuum the wainscoting with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment.
- If you have unfinished wood paneling, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down soiled areas, applying pressure to scrub away dirt marks before using a second cloth to dry.
- If you have sealed or painted wainscoting, clean it with a solution of vinegar and water. This is where the jar comes in handy. Fill it two thirds of the way with vinegar, leaving the remaining third for your water. (You can also add some lemon essential oil to give your room a nice citrusy smell.)
- Dip your microfiber cloth into the vinegar/water mixture, making sure you’ve wrung out any excess liquid. Wipe down the wainscoting a section at a time, drying with a second cloth as you go.
Note that frequent dusting or vacuuming of your authentic paneled wainscoting will help keep dirt from adhering to the surface. The more dirt builds up, the harder it can be to remove.
And if you don’t have vinegar — or maybe don’t like the smell — consider using oil soap mixed with water. Just follow the instructions on the bottle, and apply the soap-water solution with a sponge. Be sure to rinse the sponge often to keep dirt from spreading. Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the walls dry.
Authentic paneled wainscoting from Wainscot Solutions
Has your wainscoting seen better days? Or is there a wainscot-shaped hole in your home décor? Either way, Wainscot Solutions is ready to help.
We offer completely custom wainscoting, with each panel, stile and rail made to your measurements to ensure the proper fit.
We provide a construction strength that’s just not possible with kits or on-site assembly. Our wainscoting arrives fully assembled for fast and easy installation. Browse our custom wainscoting online or contact us today to learn more.