How to Clean Wall Paneling

An Elegant Cleaning Services employee demonstrates how to clean wood wall paneling

Although wall paneling is still available, there is a good chance that when encountered in a home, it has been there since the 1970s. Take into account that smoking was more fashionable then, and you can be talking about several decades of nicotine, cooking oil and other airborne contaminants that have attached to the paneling.

To bring the panelling back to its heyday shine is easier than many people may think. A towel, wash bucket and a whole lot of elbow grease are the main ingredients for this easy project.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Detergent
• Terry cloth towels
• Ladder or step stool
• Wood polish

Instructions

Cleaning the Paneling

1. Mixing the detergent with water, according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Make sure the product is safe for use on wood paneling. Most all-purpose concentrated cleaners are safe to use. If unsure, test in an inconspicuous area of the wall.

2. Remove pictures, clocks and other items from the walls before washing.

3. Choose a small area of the wall to start on. Since the panels are four feet wide, use this as a guide. Work one panel at time to make sure you don't miss sections.

4. Dip a clean terry cloth towel into the cleaning solution and wring it out well. The towel should be damp, not dripping wet. Starting at the top of the wall, using a ladder or step stool, wipe the paneling a circular motion.

5. Dry the section with a different cloth. This will keep dirt from redepositing on the wall. Continue around the room until all sections of the paneling have been cleaned.

Polishing the Paneling

1. 

   Spray a small amount of polish onto the paneling.

2. Work the polish into the panel using a clean, dry terry cloth towel. As each section is completed, the towel will become damp, requiring less polish to be sprayed onto the panel.

3. Using a clean, dry terry cloth towel, buff the section to a high shine.

4. Replace photos and other wall hangings.

Tips & Warnings

• When pictures are removed from the walls, put a small piece of masking tape on the nail or hook to make it visible. Hidden nails are a wall washers enemy. If the walls were recently cleaned or are not very dirty, then the washing step can be skipped. This is good for quick touch-ups.

• Protect hard floors from spray polish. The polish will make the floor slippery, causing a hazard.

References

• Elegant Cleaning Services