Cleaning Painted Wood Trim

If the wood has excessive buildup add paint thinner to your solution to help according to this old house magazine.

Cleaning painted wood trim.

We ll show you how to achieve a mar free surface that ll hold paint for 10 years or longer. If painted your wood trim requires mild soap and water. As you clean and again six months later make a point to check the condition of your wood door. Be sure to rinse off the solution then dry thoroughly.

Sock and a yardstick. Use a mild natural wood cleaner on clear coated or stained wood trim. Whether you re repainting wood or painting wood that s been stained and varnished the steps here apply to doors windows or trim. Sometimes a good cleaning is all it takes to bring it back to life says wood finisher john thomas.

Mix up equal parts of paint thinner and a mild soap such as murphy oil soap and apply with a sponge or. This will allow you to remove layers of old cleaner and grime to refresh the look of the trim. Slip a sock over a yardstick and voilà. Scrub with soap and warm water.

Another easy way to clean baseboards. The key to a long lasting paint job is to prepare the woodwork so it s clean and gloss free. However like any surface exposed to the elements painted wood on the exterior of your home easily collects dirt grime and mildew that ruin the look of your home. The best way to clean baseboards if they are stained instead of painted is to use a store bought wood cleaner mixed according to manufacturer s instructions.

Cleaning floors and dusting furniture will stir up the dirt in the room and deposit some of it on the baseboards. Painted doors and trim can show dirt and grime very quickly but it s just as quick to clean the spots. Use a microfiber sock for the best results as cotton and wool won t be as effective at picking up fine dust particles. Here are his recommendations for cleaning woodwork properly.

Painted wood comes in many forms whether it s a cabinet baseboard or other household object. Most of the dirt showing on painted trim is of the. An annual clean with water and a mild liquid detergent is good enough for most doors including those wood doors that have been stained or painted. While these items don t require a lot of maintenance it s important to give these surfaces a proper cleaning once every few months.

If an old soccer or running injury makes it especially painful to clean on your hands and knees get creative.