Wood walls bring the aesthetic of the outside nature into your house with a modern touch. However, as time passes, you’ll notice dust accumulation on the surfaces. Or if your kids are always hyper, they might accidentally spill something on the walls or, even worse, use them as a canvas for their crayon art. You want to prolong the lifespan of the wood walls, so you shouldn’t leave them any time you’re deep cleaning your home. This guide will give you critical insights on how to clean wood panel walls. Let’s start with the basics.
Essential Steps For Regular Maintenance And Cleaning
Most homeowners wait until their walls are filled with dust before they have an intensive cleaning session. Save yourself the hassle by regularly maintaining your wood walls instead. You can opt for weekly or biweekly dusting of the wood panels using a dry cloth or feather duster. By sticking to this routine, you’ll keep your walls consistently spotless, and when it’s time for a deep cleaning session, the process will be far less stressful. Additionally, if you are sensitive to conditions like sinus problems, be sure to wear a face mask to prevent dust from affecting you during cleaning.
Use Basic Cleaning Solutions For Wood Walls
Want to avoid chemical footprints on your walls? Simple household items can do the trick. Not only is this a more eco-friendly approach, but it’s also budget-friendly, keeping your wooden walls looking clean without taking a big chunk out of your house cleaning budget. The approach involves using household items like water and vinegar. Mix accurate amounts of each liquid in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your wooden walls and wipe with a clean, dry cloth. You can also use lemon juice and olive oil. Mix them in equal measures and follow the same procedure as instructed above.
Both methods are simple yet offer long-lasting results. A solution of water and vinegar effectively removes grime without bringing harmful chemicals into your home. On the other hand, lemon juice and olive oil create a natural blend that not only cleans but also conditions the wood, leaving it refreshed and well-maintained.
Don’t Over-Wet Your Wood Panels
When using water to remove stains from wood walls, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Better Dirt Removal: Warm water is better at removing wood specks of dirt like grease and grime. Plus, it removes residues quicker so you don’t need to scrub the wooden panels harder which might damage the wood.
- Faster Drying: Warm water evaporates faster than cold water, minimizing the exposure time of the wood to moisture. This reduces the risk of the wood absorbing excess water, which could otherwise lead to swelling.
- Gentle on Wood Finish: Cold water causes thermal shock or contraction on wood. Warm water doesn’t have these effects on the wood hence avoiding damage.
Another thing to note is over wetting the wood panels. The effect will be the same even if you’re using warm water for the cleaning. While water is a good cleaning resource, use it sparingly. Excessive usage easily damages wood. Instead of soaking the cloth, dampen it and squeeze it to remove excess water before wiping the wood walls.
Tackling Tough Stains On Wooden Walls
Cleaning wooden walls is simple when you’re only removing dust that has accumulated over time. But if you’re asking how to clean nooks and crannies or you’re dealing with tough stains like marker/ink stains, grease, oil, or crayon marks, you have to try tougher methods.
Here are some tips for removing stains from walls, especially if you want to clean white-colored wood walls.
- Marker or Ink Stains: Cleaning ink stains is a bit complex. Start by applying rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. Rub the spot gently to avoid spreading the ink wide. Once done, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and finally dry the spot.
- Grease and Oil: The trick is to clean it as soon as possible before it dries. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain while it’s still wet which will absorb the grease. Next, wipe the spot using a clean damp cloth thoroughly until all the stains disappear.
- Crayon Marks: If you have creative kids at home, crayon marks on the walls are a common issue. But don’t worry, the fix is simple: use a hair dryer. Set it to low heat to prevent any burn marks on the wood, and aim it directly at the crayon stains. The heat will soften the wax, making it easy to wipe away with a paper towel.
Conclusion
The durability of your wooden walls depends on how regularly you clean them. You don’t have to keep it complicated. Use the tips we’ve shared with you to keep that natural touch of your house intact.