Proper Procedure Of Cleaning Wood Trim In Your House
Your home needs a lot of cleaning, but you don't always do it since it takes too much time and effort. You don't want to spend a lot of time on them, but you still want to keep them clean, right? Cleaning wood trim around the house is a difficult task that requires extreme caution. If you don't clean your trim according to the correct process, it could get damaged. In order to maintain its beautiful looks and functionality, wood trim needs frequent upkeep. Here are some straightforward instructions for cleaning wood trim around your home.
Step 1: Prepare The Surface
Make sure the surface is ready before you begin cleaning the wood trim in your home. To do this, clear the trim of any dirt, dust, or debris. Vacuuming the area or using a damp cloth to clean it will accomplish this. After cleaning the surface, you are prepared to proceed to step two.
Step 2: Choose The Right Cleaner
You need to be careful about the cleaner you choose when cleaning wood trim. Some cleaners can leave streaks or harm the finish. Reviewing the cleaning product's instructions before using them is the best course of action. In this manner, you will be fully aware of what to do and what won't work.
Step 3: Remove Stubborn Stains
Before proceeding to step four, you should use an ammonia and water mixture to remove any particularly difficult stains from the wood trim. For every quart of the combination, there should be one component ammonia and two parts water. Simply pour some into a bowl or spray bottle and apply to the stain; allow it sit for five minutes before cleaning away any leftover residue. Repeat as necessary until the wood trim in your home is free of stains. These stains don't usually come off the first time, thus patience is a must while getting rid of them. Finally, thoroughly clean the area with a soft, dry cloth. Keep in mind that cleaning wooden surfaces may require many applications before all dirt and grime is removed.
Step 4: Use A Mild Detergent And Water Solution
You should begin by combining some warm water and a light detergent. You can carry out this task in a bucket or bowl, and after that, clean the wood trim with a clean towel. To avoid damaging the trim, make sure to follow the wood's natural grain and refrain from using excessive amounts of water. If you need to get rid of any stubborn stains or spots, mix a little bleach into your solution & then wipe it off.
Step 5: Apply Wood Preservative
Apply a coat of wood preservative once the trim is clean and dry. The same approach should be taken when painting new trim. Apply a second, thin layer after the first one has dried, and allow it to dry for 24 hours. For optimal results, seal it with one additional light coat of preservative after that has dried.
Step 6: Clean The Molding With A Sponge And Soap Solution
- To begin, softly mist a sponge with the soapy water. Avoid scrubbing the sponge too vigorously so as to damage the wood trim by gently rubbing it along it. Once the area is clean, remove any mold or mildew you detect. After you've thoroughly cleaned the trim, rinse it with a moist cloth to get rid of any remaining soap. After about 15 minutes of drying, use a brush to polish the surface.
- You'll be in awe of how stunning your wood trim appears once you've finished cleaning it. Depending on how frequently your home's exterior is wet, you can repeat this step every three to four months. Areas that are frequently moist, like those next to windowsills or by the front entrance, can require more frequent maintenance. We advise occasionally maintaining your wood trim well oiled to increase its lifespan. A high-quality water-based varnish also aids in water resistance.
Step 7: Create A New Shine By Applying Polish
- Polish helps to put a new shine on wood trim. Additionally, it serves to shield the wood from further harm. Make sure the wood's surface is completely free of debris and filth before applying polish. Next, apply a thin layer of polish using a clean cloth. Before buffing the polish off with a soft cloth, give it some time to dry. For the best effects, you might need to use several coats of polish.
- Before using any product, make sure to read the manufacturer's directions carefully. These products ought to be used cautiously and removed as soon as possible.
- Avoid leaving liquids or waxes on the wood trim because they will deteriorate the wood over time. To remove extra polish and avoid stains, the majority of manufacturers advise cleaning hardwood surfaces with mineral spirits after polishing them. Never use turpentine or other solvents, just remember that!
Step 8: Let The Molding Dry
- Always wait for your molding to dry completely before attempting to clean it. By doing this, you can prevent harming the wood. Lightly wipe down the molding with a soft cloth. Be sure to go with the grain of the wood. You may need to apply a little elbow grease to remove difficult spots. If you have any difficult stains, consider using a toothbrush or white vinegar. Allow the molding to thoroughly dry by letting it air dry after cleaning.
- Using a hair dryer on low heat will expedite this procedure. And once again, be careful to work with the wood grain. To give the stained regions a new look, use some linseed oil. This is especially useful if the trim has deep dents or has been painted over several times.