Walls, Wall Paper and Paneling Maintenance

• wallpaper paste solvent
  Vinegar makes a great solvent for wallpaper paste. Just dilute 1 cup (225ml) of white vinegar with 2 quarts (2-3 liters) of very warm water, and apply generously with a sponge. Once you get an edge or corner of the wallpaper to lift, then start working the vinegar solution behind the paper to break down the adhesive. This process is most effective when you keep your work area very damp-let the warmth of the water and the chemical properties of the vinegar do the work for you. Rinse your sponge often mix a new batch of vinegar-and-water solution when it becomes cool and/or murky. The bonus is that vinegar is inexpensive and it will not stain or discolor carpeting or other flooring.

• cleaning wooden paneling
  Clean wood paneling with a mixture of one part olive oil to two parts of distilled vinegar in 4 cups (1 liter) of warm water. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and wipe the paneling. The yellowing is then removed by wiping with a soft, dry cloth. 

• removing grime from furniture
  Dirt and grime can be easily removed from woodwork with a solution of 1 cup (225ml) of ammonia, 2/3 cup (150ml) of distilled vinegar, and 2 1/2 tablespoons (30g) of baking soda dissolved in warm water. This solution will not dull the finish or leave streaks. Be careful of the smell when you mix these together.

• preparation for painting
  Wiping down clean metal surfaces with a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water) prepares the surface for painting and reduces the incidence of peeling. 

• Crayon Marks on walls?
  A paste of baking soda and water with an old toothbrush will remove most crayon marks from walls.  

• cleaning varnished wood
  If varnished wood has taken on a cloudy appearance but the cloudiness hasn't gone through to the wood, it can be removed by rubbing the wood with a soft cloth soaked in a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar in 4 cups (1 liter) of lukewarm water. Wring out the cloth and rub into the wood. Complete the job by wiping the surface with a soft dry cloth.  

• prevent plaster from drying out too quickly
  Prevent plaster from drying too quickly when patching or filling in by adding one tablespoon of vinegar to the water when mixing. This will slow the drying time.

• old wallpaper peeler
  1 cup (250ml) vinegar
  1 quart (1 liter) warm water
  2 to 3 drops dishwashing liquid
  
  Need to take down some wallpaper? Before you rush out to rent a cumbersome steam machine or buy an expensive paper-removing product, whip up a batch of this vinegar formula for a mere fraction of the cost: in a large bucket or bowl, combine the vinegar and warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the mix (feel free to make a larger batch if necessary). Use a sponge to apply the solution liberally to the old paper. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes and then scrape off the paper with a putty knife. To remove all traces of glue, use a nylon sponge to give the walls a final wash with the same solution. 

• easy woodwork, wall, and window blind cleaner
  1 cup (250ml) ammonia
  1/2 cup (125ml) vinegar
  1/4 cup (55g) baking soda
  1 gallon (4 liters) warm water
  
  Make spring cleaning a little easier by washing painted walls, woodwork, and Venetian blinds with this simple formula: Combine the ammonia, vinegar, and baking soda in a large bucket with the warm water. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe this solution over walls or blinds, and then rinse thoroughly with clear water. Dirt and grime will come off easily without dulling the painted finish or leaving streak marks.