Cleaning Painted Wood Trim

Most of the dirt showing on painted trim is of the.

Cleaning painted wood trim. 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. As you clean and again six months later make a point to check the condition of your wood door. Whether you re repainting wood or painting wood that s been stained and varnished the steps here apply to doors windows or trim. Be sure to rinse off the solution then dry thoroughly.

If the wood has excessive buildup add paint thinner to your solution to help according to this old house magazine. Scrub with soap and warm water. Sock and a yardstick. Another easy way to clean baseboards.

Here are his recommendations for cleaning woodwork properly. Note that if the baseboards in the room you are cleaning are stained not painted it may be preferable to use a cleaning solution formulated specifically for that application. This will allow you to remove layers of old cleaner and grime to refresh the look of the trim. If painted your wood trim requires mild soap and water.

Painted wood comes in many forms whether it s a cabinet baseboard or other household object. 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. The key to a long lasting paint job is to prepare the woodwork so it s clean and gloss free. Cleaning floors and dusting furniture will stir up the dirt in the room and deposit some of it on the baseboards.

Sometimes a good cleaning is all it takes to bring it back to life says wood finisher john thomas. Cleaning grimy painted doors and trim. While these items don t require a lot of maintenance it s important to give these surfaces a proper cleaning once every few months. Slip a sock over a yardstick and voilà.

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. If an old soccer or running injury makes it especially painful to clean on your hands and knees get creative. Use a microfiber sock for the best results as cotton and wool won t be as effective at picking up fine dust particles. Painted doors and trim can show dirt and grime very quickly but it s just as quick to clean the spots.

We ll show you how to achieve a mar free surface that ll hold paint for 10 years or longer.