Wood paneling is an excellent choice when looking to spruce up an old furniture piece or give your room a refreshed look. As a result, how to clean wood paneling should be the next step to complement the look.
But as with any material, wood paneling needs to be taken care of and cleaned properly to keep its beauty and longevity.
Cleaning wood paneling isn’t as straightforward as scrubbing down a countertop or dusting off a table—but that doesn’t mean it has to be overly complicated, either.
In fact, cleaning your wood paneling the right way is quite simple and can help you avoid the costly repairs that come with improper cleaning methods.
Ready to give your wood paneling the TLC it deserves without damaging it? Learn how to properly clean your wood paneling with the best practices outlined in this article.
What You Must Know About Cleaning Wood Paneling
Cleaning wood paneling is slightly different from doing the same on other surfaces. You can end up damaging the wood with the wrong products.
Knowing the recommended products and how to use them is recommended.
Here are some tips that can help with your wood paneling cleaning below:
Use a mild soap solution and warm water
It is a safe and effective way of cleaning wood paneling.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrub products since these can strip away the wood’s finish and damage its surface.
Utilize a soft cloth or sponge for satisfactory results
Too much scrubbing can leave scratches, so ensure you’re gentle when wiping away dirt or grime from your paneling.
Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or heat
Exposure to too much sun or heat can cause discoloration of the wood. So clean in an area away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Dry your panels with a towel after cleaning them
That will help remove any moisture that might otherwise lead to warping of the panels over time.
These tips can foster great-looking wood paneling for many years while avoiding potential damage!
Choosing the Right Cleaner for the Job
When it comes to your wood panels, you always want to choose a safe cleaner.
Cleaners like bleach and ammonia can easily damage the grain and finish off your paneling, leaving it dull and discolored. The best cleaning solution for wood paneling is one designed for wood surfaces.
These cleaners often come in spray and liquid forms, allowing homeowners to choose the most convenient.
The liquids are great for wiping down the entire surface. Similarly, the sprays are ideal for spot-cleaning more challenging areas.
When applying either type of cleaner, you shouldn’t oversaturate the wood—it should just be enough to dampen it.
Regardless of your chosen cleaner, always test it on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage your wood paneling. That way, you can look forward to perfect results after each cleaning!
Gently Washing and Drying the Wooden Panels
Professionals recommend gently washing and drying wood paneling during cleaning. Below is how to go about it without compromising safety:
Start with Vacuuming
The first step to take before cleaning wood paneling is to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.
Do this by vacuuming the paneling with a vacuum cleaner or brush attachment. Never use an overly strong suction, as it increases the risk of damaging the wood.
An alternative is to use a dust cloth or soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Mild Soapy Water or Wood Cleaner
Clean the wood with a mild soapy solution or wood cleaner after vacuuming.
You can use either a cloth, soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or even a dishcloth in warm water—make sure it isn’t dripping wet and that you will wring out any excess water before application.
If using a store-bought cleaner, read the directions on the label carefully.
Dry With Soft Cloth
Once you’ve finished wiping down your paneling with soapy water or a cleaner, dry off the panels immediately with a soft cloth to avoid leaving any residue–review each panel several times for the removal of all excess moisture.
Wet paneling can cause warping and damage over time.
How to Polish Wood Paneling
You want your wood paneling to shine, which sometimes means giving it a little polish. You’ll need to keep the following in mind to do that:
Dry polish
You can use a dry polish if your wood paneling is a product of light wood, such as maple or birch.
This polish will give the wood paneling a nice sheen without damaging its finish. Start by wiping down the paneling’s surface with a damp cloth to apply dry polish to your wood paneling.
Then, apply a small amount of dry polish using a clean cloth and rub it in a circular motion until the wood is evenly covered. Allow the dry polish to sit for about 5 minutes before wiping any excess.
Wax-based polish
If you have cherry or oak wood paneling, you’ll want to use wax-based polishes instead of dry ones.
These waxes are usually applied as paste or liquid and are designed to seal in moisture and protect against wear and tear.
Applying wax-based polishes involves rubbing them in evenly with circular motions until fully absorbed into the grain of the wood.
After an even application, let it sit for 15 minutes before buffing off any excess with a soft cloth such as microfiber or cotton.
These are also additional tips on how to wax floors.
Polishing your wood paneling can make all the difference in maintaining its shine and protecting its finish from damage.
Whether you decide on dry or wax polishes, always use gentle pressure when rubbing them into the surface to prevent damage to your beautiful panels!
Tips on Stain and Varnish Removal from Wood Paneling
Getting a stain or varnish off your wood paneling can be tricky business.
But with the proper knowledge and some elbow grease, you can get it done without causing damage. Below are tips for removing tough stains and varnish from your wood paneling:
Use a wooden scraper
A wooden scraper can remove any tough spots that refuse to come off with a cloth. So scrape gently, utilizing the wood grain to avoid causing any damage.
Use mineral spirits
Utilize mineral spirits or paint thinner for varnish that’s hard to remove instead of water and dish soap. Rub the area with a soft cloth soaked in a cleaner.
Then rub it with a clean cloth before rinsing.
Always promote safety by wearing gloves to prevent contact between your skin and the cleaner.
Use steel wool
Steel wool is excellent for removing stubborn stains from wood paneling without damaging it — ensure you rub in the direction of the grain.
You may have to use some elbow grease–provided you’re gentle!
Remember that patience is key when cleaning your wood paneling—you don’t want to solve one problem by creating another!
Take the time to carry out these steps slowly and carefully for your wood paneling to look new.
Refinishing or Sealing Wood Paneling
Another way to make your wood paneling look fresh and new again is to refinish or seal it. It is an excellent option if your paneling has been exposed to harsh conditions and needs extra protection.
It’s a fairly easy process that involves sanding the wood, cleaning it, and then sealing it with a clear coating or staining it with a new color. You can even add a couple of polyurethane coats to make the color pop.
Refinishing
Refinishing your wood paneling starts with sanding off the existing finish using a palm or orbital sander. Wear an appropriate face mask for dust protection and use the correct grade of sandpaper for the job — usually, 100-grit or 120-grit will do. You’ll also want to vacuum dust so your surface is debris-free before applying a new finish.
Sealing
If you’re looking for a protective sealant, you can apply multiple coats of clear polyurethane once you are done sanding and cleaning off dust.
Utilize a foam brush to apply the polyurethane in thin, even layers across all the wood paneling surfaces you want to protect for optimal performance.
Refinishing or sealing your wood paneling is one way to ensure that it looks its best for years to come and withstands the environment in which it’s placed without fading or becoming discolored.
Final Thoughts How to Clean Wood Paneling
Wood paneling can be tricky to clean and preserve. But with the right tips, you can go a long way in ensuring it stays beautiful for years.
Regardless of your wood type, always test first, use mild cleaners, be gentle, pay attention to the grout, clean regularly, and condition it. I
t’s vital to care for your wood paneling and to be patient and gentle when cleaning. With just a few basic tips, you can keep your wood paneling looking great for years to come.