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How to Clean Cedar Walls

April Dowling

Favored for its natural aroma and reddish-brown grains, cedar wood paneling adds rustic charm to home interiors. Cedar paneling is prevalent in closets as it naturally repels moths and other pests that consume clothing. Although low maintenance, cedar wall panels inevitably become dirty.

Cedar paneled walls are durable and long-lasting.

The narrow crevices within cedar panels accumulate dust and grime, which detract from cedar walls’ appearance. Since cedar is an uncoated, raw wood, it requires mild cleaning techniques to prevent damage. Regularly clean cedar wall panels to preserve their naturally attractive appearance.

  1. Wipe the cedar wall panels with dry microfiber cloths to lift excess dust. Remove as much dust as possible, replacing the cloths as they become dirty. Stand on a step stool to access unreachable portions of wall panels.

  2. Glide a vacuum brush attachment along the narrow crevices in the cedar panels to extract hidden dust. Stand on the step stool to vacuum unreachable areas of wall panels.

  3. Fill a pail with fresh, plain water. Moisten a clean microfiber cloth in the water. Wring out the cloth thoroughly.

  4. Wipe the lightly moistened cloth along the length of one of the cedar wood panels to remove stubborn grime. Stand on the step stool, if necessary.

  5. Rinse the cloth thoroughly in the pail of water. Continue wiping each cedar wall panel with the dampened cloth, concentrating on just one wall panel at once. Rinse the cloth thoroughly after cleaning each panel, and replace the rinse water often.

  6. Let the cedar wall panels air-dry completely.

  7. Warning

    Spot-test the damp cloth on the cedar to ensure the wall panels do not become damaged.

The Drip Cap

  • Favored for its natural aroma and reddish-brown grains, cedar wood paneling adds rustic charm to home interiors.
  • Although low maintenance, cedar wall panels inevitably become dirty.
  • The narrow crevices within cedar panels accumulate dust and grime, which detract from cedar walls’ appearance.
  • Stand on the step stool to vacuum unreachable areas of wall panels.
  • Moisten a clean microfiber cloth in the water.