How to brighten up old formica walls in our bathroom?

We bought a vintage camper, the bathroom walls appear to be formica but are very dingy looking. I've tried many cleaners- what do you suggest to brighten them up? Thank you for any helpful information
  7 answers
  • Shoshana Shoshana on Mar 09, 2017

    Formica does not mix well with abrasive cleaners which will eventually damage the plastic coating. Instead you should use a damp cloth and dishsoap. Vinegar can also work well. Good luck!!


  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Mar 09, 2017

    Try applying a light coat of mineral oil to give them a sheen. Good luck!

  • Cindy Lewis Jaqua Cindy Lewis Jaqua on Mar 09, 2017

    I first cleaned it with vinegar it seemed to get the dirt . Off But did not do anything for the shine. I go will try the mineral.oil. Will it wash off when it gets wet and make a mess? thank you

  • Hat19678767 Hat19678767 on Mar 10, 2017

    Try a baking soda mixture with hot water maybe white vinegar, bad stain try whitening toothpaste on the stain.

    • Cindy Lewis Jaqua Cindy Lewis Jaqua on Mar 10, 2017

      I used vinegar. No stains just 50 years old and do not want to replace it just brighten it up. Thanks

  • REW7851693 REW7851693 on Mar 10, 2017

    Once you have it clean looking try turtle wax and a buffer to give it a shine. You may also try to clean it with a rubbing compound before you wax it.

  • Tina Swain Tina Swain on Aug 01, 2017

    I agree with REWILSON Once it is cleaned to your satisfaction...I often use a paste of Baking Soda and water..plus elbow grease . ...buff it with a paste wax for a nice shine.

    We once rented a camper so small you could sit on the toilet and take a shower. If it is larger than that you could sand up the walls then try mod podge and do a collage of maps then , since it is a rather small room, you could try putting clear contact paper over all.



  • Cindy Lewis Jaqua Cindy Lewis Jaqua on Aug 01, 2017

    Thanks everyone. I like the modge podge idea I just did 3 TV tables to use with a camper. Not sure about the clear contact paper but it is pretty small. I think maybe that'll be a winter project. I will try to repost when I get done with it