I love mine and don't notice any additional work cleaning it. Behind the sink faucet tends to get spashed more than anywhere else. If it doesn't come out with a quick wipe, a spritz with the ammonia/water bottle takes care of it.

I have tile behind my stove so beadboard might be more of an issue in that area.

I love beadboard and I have it in several places in my kitchen, but not as a backsplash.

I think whether it works well as a backsplash depends on the material and finish of the beadboard. The kind that comes in sheets tends to be rougher, while real tongue and groove beadboad tends to have a smoother finish. This may be due to the type of wood used, or it may be due to the quality of the sanding on it or the type of paint used.

Mine is the fake beadboard that comes in sheets, but it's not thick like some. It's more of a veneer. I have it on the ends of my island and as a backing to some open shelves and in a nook. Mine is also not painted. In its current state, it would not be a good material for a backsplash.

One alternative I've seen that I think would be great for a backsplash is beadboard wallpaper. Take a look at the blog linked below. I think it looks awesome, and it would have none of the "cons" of real beadboard.

Here is a link that might be useful: Beadboard wallpaper blog

I have a bead board backsplash except for behind my sink where I had the counter material applied to meet the windowsill. My bead board is plank tongue and groove that I primed and painted prior to install and then gave a final coat after it was put in. I have no problems with the ease of cleaning, anything wipes right off and if needed I can always touch up the paint but I do have problems with board separation in the winter. If I were to do it again I would use a quality sheet bb that has nice grooves as they can look just as good as the plank but do not have as many areas for separation to show.

I don't know if this helps, but if you're concerned about cleaning you could consider beadboard tile -- the look of beadboard with the durability of ceramic tile.

The one below is by Hastings:
{{!gwi}}

I found some beadboard wall tile the other day. It won't work for our kitchen (walls not really even enough), but thought it was very nice.

I think there are a couple of manufacturers of it. It would give you a similar look, and be easy to clean. I'm not sure how hard it would be to install.

Here is a link that might be useful: Beadboard wall tile

Have it in both bathrooms ... one is tongue and groove and the other is the sheet. I wouldn't want it behind my kitchen sink.