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What can you clean walls with


How to Clean Walls With Paint or Wallpaper Like a Pro

Even the most diligent deep cleaners can be clueless when it comes to how to clean walls. Established New York City interior designers and architects who need help sprucing up renovated homes look to high-end cleaning service New York’s Little Elves to meet their lofty expectations and get the space clean from top to bottom.

After 35 years in the business, vice president Sabrina Fierman is an expert on making luxury properties sparkle, and her staff knows that walls should never be an afterthought. We enlisted Fierman to help identify the best ways to get rid of pesky marks and buildup—without damaging wallpaper or a decorative paint job.

“Cleaning the walls can be a delicate process, and what you use is dependent on what the wall treatment can hold up to and resist,” Fierman says. Luckily, you don’t need special supplies or expensive equipment to get the job done—just a few household items you already have and a little bit of time. Read on to learn how to clean walls with the best of 'em! This method is gentle enough for walls with paint or wallpaper.

1. Gather your supplies

Some good news: Wall cleaning does not require any special wall cleaner. Chances are you already have everything you need. Here's what you should have on hand:

Steer clear of anything abrasive or ammonia-based and start with simple products. These basic supplies are mild enough to use on most wall treatments while still getting the job done.

2. Protect your floor from drips

Prepare by laying towels along the base of the walls to protect floors and collect any dust or drips.

3. Dust the walls

Give the walls a dusting—using the dust brush attachment, vacuum your walls and follow by wiping them with a tack cloth. You can also use a foam craft brush to easily swipe away dust from baseboards and molding.

Alternatively, you can wrap a dry mop head with a clean rag and dust from top to bottom without fear of scratches or dents.

4. Mix water and dish soap

Now that the dust is wiped away, it's time to wash walls. Fill one bucket with a gallon of warm water and mix clear liquid hand or dish soap and water in the other. Soak a cloth in the solution, and wring it out well.

5. Test a patch on the wall

While the dish soap and water make for a gentle cleaning solution, you should always test an inconspicuous area, like a section of the wall that's behind a painting or piece of furniture, to make sure it won't damage the material. Wallpaper and matte paint are more delicate than high-gloss paint, so it's good to err on the side of caution and do a little test.

6. Gently wash in circular motions

Once you know your surface is safe to work on, it's time to tackle the whole wall. Starting at the top of the wall and working your way down, go over the surface in light, circular motions. Apply as little moisture as possible to avoid bubbling or watermarks. Also, make sure not to apply too much pressure as you make your circle.

7. Tackle any stubborn stains

If you come across any stubborn stains on painted walls, turn to baking soda and water. Baking soda is a natural stain fighter—mix a half cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of water until it forms a paste. Gently rub that paste into the stained part of the wall and the stain should lift.

How To Clean Walls Like a Pro — Pro Housekeepers

If you want to know how to clean walls, you’re not alone. Learning how to clean your walls will help you keep your home fresh and clean, and avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt that can make your home look dull and tired, or even trigger asthma and allergy attacks. Your walls might not look like a dust-trap, but they are! Adding cleaning your walls to your regular household routine can make a big difference to your home, and at Pro Housekeepers, we know a trick or two about how to clean dirty walls, and what to use to clean walls in no time. (And don’t worry, you don’t need any specialist wall cleaning tools!)

How to clean walls fast

Nobody wants to spend all day cleaning their walls, but getting such a large area cleaned fast can be tricky. How to wash walls fast depends in part on the finish of the walls. Textured walls, and walls with lots of shelves, paintings, and other decorations will take longer to clean. The below method is by far the fastest, but it’s best for flat or knockdown wall finishes. For textured or papered walls, see some of the better tips below.

Step 1: Clear the walls by removing paintings, clocks, and decorations, and emptying shelves

Step 2: If your walls are very dusty, use a feather duster to wipe away the excess

Step 3: Apply a fine mist of multipurpose cleaner to the walls — take care not to get the walls too wet

Step 4: Use a mop to wash the walls

Using a mop to clean your walls might sound crazy, but it really is the best tool for the job. You can even purchase microfiber wall mops to get the job done faster! Using a flat mop instead of a traditional string mop is preferable, as it will cover a wider area of the wall with each pass, but in a pinch any mop will do. Our Pros swear by this method, and say it’s the best way to clean walls when moving out of a property, or as part of a routine annual clean.

Pro Tip: Now your walls are clean, learn how to clean baseboards too!

How to clean walls without streaks

A common complaint after cleaning walls is finding that the cleaning method left streaks behind. Painted walls, especially those with flat or satin paints, often develop streaky patterns when they dry. However there are several ways of avoiding creating streaks when cleaning walls.

Many streaks are simply caused by the dirt that was already on the walls. Mixed with a wall cleaner spray, this dirt turns mud-like, and cleaning only moves it around, leaving streaks behind.

If your cleaning solution drips or runs down the wall, it will create streaks as it dries. Use a spray bottle to apply cleaner as a fine mist, and don’t overdo it.

Scrubbing too hard can start to remove paint, leaving streaks behind that can only be fixed by repainting the wall. You shouldn’t need to do more than glide your cleaner over the wall to remove most dust and dirt.

Walls rarely require powerful detergents to get them clean, and the harsher the cleaner you use, the more chance it will affect the paint. Instead use a gentle, all-purpose cleaner.

How to clean brick walls

Not all walls have a painted finish. Exposed brick can be tricky to clean because dirt gets trapped in all the nooks and crannies. Whether you’re cleaning your interior brick fire surround, or the brick wall around your deck, here’s how to do it right.

For small areas

For large areas

How to clean concrete walls

Concrete walls are tough, but still need to be cleaned occasionally. Here’s how:

Step 1: Remove excess dust and dirt with a feather duster (indoor) or spray down with water (outdoor)

Step 2: Add a few drops of non-ammonia dish soap to a 1 gallon bucket of hot water

Step 3: Use a microfiber cloth or mop to wash the walls with the soapy water, taking care not to get the wall too wet

Step 4: For stained walls, use a firm bristled brush to scrub away marks

Step 5: Wash down the wall with clean water

How to clean bathroom walls

Bathroom walls can be prone to water marks, dust streaks, and even mold because of the high humidity environment. While you don’t need to use any different tools or methods to clean your bathroom walls, there are steps you can take to reduce the accumulation of dirt and dampness.

Running a large, dry sponge over your bathroom walls after you get out of the shower can reduce condensation and help prevent mold.

If condensation is a problem, you can prevent mold before it has a chance to flourish by using a fungicidal cleaner. These cleaners leave a residue on walls that makes it harder for mold to grow.

Air circulation is vital for drying excess water and keeping your walls clean. Always use the extractor fan during and after bathing, or leave the bathroom door open to allow moisture to evaporate rapidly.

How to clean ceramic tile shower walls

Ceramic tiles are much more resistant to water damage, which makes them an ideal choice for bathrooms. When choosing a cleaner, avoid anything too acidic, such as vinegar. It can eat through the protective surface of the tile and cause damage. Use a bathroom cleaner designed for tiles, or a few drops of dish soap in a gallon of hot water.

To keep your grout gleaming, make a paste from ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, and scrub the grout using an old toothbrush.

How to clean mold off walls

If you’ve got mold on your bathroom walls, you can still clean them and prevent it from coming back. Most varieties are relatively benign, although using a mask or respirator is always good practice when cleaning mold. Mold is a fungus that loves damp places, so try to keep your walls dry to prevent it from taking hold or returning.

Note: How to clean black mold off walls

Black mold (stachybotrys chartarum a.k.a. stachybotrys atra) can be dangerous in high quantities. If you’re unsure what type of mold you’re dealing with, or your mold damage is extensive, always call in a professional. 

Pro Tip: The EPA recommends only removing mold yourself if it covers an area less than 10 square feet. 

If the mold in your home is safe to handle yourself, you can use many household cleaners to kill it, including bleach, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or fungicidal solutions.

 

Step 1: Make a mixture of 1 part bleach, 3 parts water, and soak the mold using a spray bottle

Step 2: Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes

Step 3: Remove the mold using a scrubbing brush

Step 4: Make a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, and spray the area thoroughly 

Step 5: Allow the wall to air dry

Although other cleaning tips say to avoid getting walls too wet, in order to kill mold effectively you need to soak it in cleaning solution. Even if the wall ends up damaged and a section needs to be replaced, it’s still better to completely remove all traces of mold.

Pro Tip: Learn more about how to clean and get rid of mold from your home

How to clean apartment walls

While your apartment walls will have the same finish as any other home, you should keep your neighbors in mind. Avoid getting the walls too wet, and mop up any spilled water immediately to prevent it causing water damage to the ceiling below. If you’re mopping your walls and you’re worried about spills and splashes, put down some old towels to absorb any runoff.

How to clean walls without removing paint

The most important consideration for how to remove stains from painted walls is protecting the finish of the paint itself. There are two main reasons paint can get damaged, either it gets too wet, or you scrub too hard. Both of these are completely avoidable, although you might need a little extra time to treat stubborn stains as a result.

Always wring out any cloth or sponge before applying it to walls for cleaning. You want the wall to be just barely damp, not wet. If you see drops running down the wall, you’ve applied too much. Pause, and use a dry cloth to absorb the excess before continuing with less wall cleaning solution.

Some paints, particularly dark colors, will bleed a little onto your cloth or sponge as you’re cleaning, and this can make it harder to tell if the paint is running. If in doubt, spot-check an inconspicuous area first.

How to clean painted walls

Finding the best cleaner for painted walls depends on the type of paint and finish used on your walls. While mopping walls is effective for most flat surfaces, there are times you’ll want to take a different approach to get the best results and avoid causing damage.

How to clean white walls

White walls can show dirt marks far faster than other colors, so often need to be cleaned more regularly. Check high touch points such as next to stairs or corners, and you’ll soon see where grubby fingers have been! If mopping your white walls doesn’t remove the dirt, learn how to clean scuff marks off walls with baking soda.

Step 1: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a little clean water

Step 2: Dip the cloth into baking soda

Step 3: Use the cloth to clean the wall using an even, circular motion

Step 4: Wipe away any residue and dry the wall thoroughly

Remember not to use too much pressure when cleaning the wall, to prevent removing any paint.

How to clean walls with flat paint

Flat or matte paint finishes can show more marks and streaks post-cleaning than high gloss paint. Scrubbing flat paints too hard will damage the finish, leaving patchy spots behind. The good news is, if you notice a mark straightaway, you can often clean it with plain water using a sponge. If the mark proves more stubborn, give vinegar a try.

Step 1: Dampen a sponge with white vinegar

Step 2: Gently apply the vinegar to the wall

Step 3: Use a circular motion to lift the stain

Step 4: Wipe the wall down with clean water

Step 5: Dry the wall thoroughly

How to clean latex painted walls

Latex paint is one of the easier surfaces to clean, because the paint is designed to be washable. However that doesn’t mean you can scrub too hard, because you’ll still damage the finish. Instead you can rely on stronger cleaning solutions to get the job done.

Step 1: Add a few drops of dish soap to hot water

Step 2: Apply the soapy water to the wall with a sponge or cloth

Step 3: Gently rub the wall to lift the stain

Step 4: Wash down the wall with plain water and dry thoroughly

If dish soap doesn’t cut it, you can use a vegetable oil-based cleaner such as Murphy Oil Soap.

How to clean oil-based painted walls

Oil-based paint responds well to dish soap or vinegar-based cleaning solutions. Use the tips above and your walls should soon be spotless! Take care not to use ammonia-based cleaners with oil-based paint, as they can damage the finish.

How to clean textured walls

It’s important to know how to clean wall stains from textured walls. Not only do these walls attract and hold more dirt, but you risk damaging the texture pattern when you clean them. Regular dusting is important to keep textured walls looking bright. For more stubborn dust and dirt, use the bristled brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Spot-clean grubby marks using a sponge dipped in an all-purpose cleaner.

Pro Tip: Got textured ceilings as well? Learn how to clean a popcorn ceiling now.

What is the best thing to wash walls with?
WALL FINISH BEST CLEANING SOLUTION
Flat or matte paint White vinegar or plain water
Glossy paint All-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water
White paint Baking soda and water
Latex paint Dish soap and water, or vegetable oil-based cleaner
Oil-based paint White vinegar or dish soap and water
Brick walls Baking soda or white vinegar and water
Concrete walls Non-ammonia dish soap and water

How to clean walls before painting

If you’re not worried about damaging the finish of a painted wall, but priming a wall for a new coat of paint, you can be a little more aggressive with your cleaning methods. It’s important to clean walls thoroughly before painting to prevent dust and dirt from getting stuck in the paint and ruining the finish. You can also follow these instructions to clean walls after removing wallpaper.

What to wash walls with before painting

The best solution for cleaning walls is plain warm water. To clean grease off kitchen walls, add a few drops of dish soap to cut through any accumulation. Simply dampen a sponge with your chosen cleaner and start scrubbing. The water will attract dirt, preventing it from ruining your new paint.

Pro Tip: Got paint on your clothes? Learn how to clean it now!

How to clean crayon off walls

Kids love to turn walls into crayon canvases! The good news is, it comes off pretty easily. Use an old toothbrush dipped in white vinegar to scrub crayon masterpieces away. Alternatively, you can use a wall stain remover such as a Magic Eraser. Just be careful to only use it lightly to prevent damaging the paint.

How to clean smoke off walls

Whether you’re dealing with cigarette smoke discoloration, or you need to know how to clean fire smoke off walls, our Pros have the answers. 

Cigarette smoke can be cleaned using the following mixture:

Spot-check this mixture first, because it can damage some paint finishes. You can always omit the ammonia for oil-based paint walls, although it may not clean as effectively. 

To clean soot off walls, first vacuum up as much loose soot as possible, then use a specialist solution such as Trisodium phosphate (TSP). TSP is an amazing cleaner, but precautions need to be taken when handling it. Always wear long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and appropriate gloves, eye, and respiratory protection. Follow the instructions on the container for best use practices.

Pro Tip: Had a fire? Check out everything you need to know about post-construction cleaning

Conclusion

Cleaning your walls might not be something you consider often, but dusting them frequently and giving them a more intensive clean a couple of times a year can make a big difference to your home.

nuances of caring for different coatings - INMYROOM

Guide

What not to do when washing walls decorated with wallpaper, what painted surfaces do not tolerate and how to care for tiles and plaster - tell us in detail

Let's be honest: far from each of us recognizes the need for thorough wall cleaning. However, their washing - a mandatory item in a long list of general cleaning. Yes, of course it's not the easiest process, but it is necessary. Let's try to make the task easier: step by step instructions for washing walls with different coatings - in this post. nine0003

Note: general recommendations

space: remove all paintings and photographs from the walls, move the furniture to the center of the room - so as not to trip over it during the cleaning process. Not to hurt your hands on the "orphaned" nails and picture hooks, hang on them pieces of colored fabric - so you do not lose sight of them.

2. Protect the floor from moisture. Don't forget to put cloth rags or sheets of paper on the floor to protect the surface from moisture running off the walls while cleaning. The fabric must absorb moisture. nine0003

3. Dust the baseboards and walls - this is the most important step. The easiest and fastest way to do this is to wrap a towel or rag around the mop brush and wipe the walls with this design from the bottom up. You can also walk along the walls with a vacuum cleaner with an aquafilter. Remember that walls with wallpaper must be vacuumed on the weakest setting so as not to damage them.

Walls with wallpaper: tips

1. Far from all wallpapers can be washed. If you are not sure what type of wallpaper you have, do a test: try washing a very small area (preferably a secluded place - say, behind furniture), let it dry thoroughly, and then inspect for any damage - whether the color, pattern, will there be any leaks. nine0003

2. With a lint-free cloth or soft sponge dampened with warm water and liquid detergent, wipe the walls from top to bottom with quick, light strokes. Avoid using colored soaps or sponges - they can accidentally stain the wallpaper. It is also important not to overdo it with detergent - the solution should not have thick foam. In general, it is precisely such a mixture of simple components - water plus detergent - that is the most versatile for washing walls with almost any coating (more on exceptions below). nine0003

3. Clean water and drying. Walk along the walls with the same rag or sponge, but dipped in clean water. The main thing at this point is to regularly change the water so as not to carry dirt along the walls. It may be more convenient to pour two buckets at once - with soapy water and clean water. Then, to remove excess moisture, wipe the wallpaper with a cotton towel.

4. You can remove different types of stains from wallpaper in various ways. For example, to combat oily stains, apply talcum powder to them, leave for a few minutes, and then clean with a brush. Fingerprints can be removed with an ordinary eraser, and traces of alcohol markers can be removed with vinegar or citric acid. nine0003

Painted walls: nuances

1. Type of paint. The rules here are exactly the same as and in the case of wallpaper: dust collection, soap solution, clean water. However, there a few nuances. For example, special attention should be paid to walls covered with latex paint: instead of a soapy solution, it is better to wipe them with an alkaline solution detergent and a small amount of ammonia. And here is the enamel paint does not tolerate soap at all. Get rid of greasy stains on painted walls White spirit will help you. nine0003

2. Heavy soiling. For particularly stubborn dirt, use the following detergent composition: half a glass of vinegar, a glass of ammonia and a quarter cup of baking soda - all combined with about 4 liters of water. Don't forget to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands!

Plaster: Caution

Dust from plaster surfaces should be removed regularly, but washed only with strong pollution. It is impossible to rub such walls in any case. Sprinkle them weak soapy water and blot gently with a terry cloth. nine0003

Tiles: care instructions

When cleaning tiled walls avoid using powder products - they can leave scratches on a surface. If you are against household chemicals and prefer natural remedies, bet on the good old soap solution. Another option is a spray bottle filled with regular vinegar.

How to clean painted walls | Blog Angstrom

05/12/2022

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To make the house look clean and comfortable, you have to put in order not only the floor coverings, but also the walls. And in this regard, painted surfaces are one of the most practical. It is easy to remove dirt from them. The main thing is to know how and with what you can wash dirt from different types of paint and varnish coatings, since there are quite a lot of the latter. This will preserve the original appearance of the walls for a long time.

How to clean walls: general recommendations

Whatever paint you use for wall decoration, to get the best result, it is worth following a number of recommendations:

These simple rules will allow you to quickly cope with the cleaning and prevent the occurrence of streaks and whitish spots on the paint.

Methods for cleaning different types of paint

It is also worth remembering that paint is different from paint. Some of them are resistant and can withstand the effects of even aggressive chemical compounds. Others must be treated with great care. Therefore, each type of coverage requires an individual approach.

Water-based paint

Water-based paints are very sensitive to moisture. Therefore, washing a wall painted with this type of paint is only a last resort. Small and light dirt is best removed dry:

It is important not to damage the surface. For example, when cleaning dust, it is better to wrap a broom or a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner with a soft cloth, and you should not press hard on the sponge.

In extreme cases, you can use soapy water. In this case, the wet surface should be wiped immediately after removing the contamination. nine0003

Water-dispersion paints

These surfaces are less sensitive to wet cleaning, so they can be washed. Most importantly, do it carefully so as not to damage the coating. Extra chemicals are useless here, it is better to use just a soapy solution: laundry soap and hot water in a ratio of 1:10.

It is important to remember that the upper polymer layer gives strength and gloss to water-dispersion paint. It is rather difficult to damage it, but with frequent washing it will wear out, and the wall will begin to shine. Therefore, it is better to clean the surface carefully:

Oil and alkyd enamel

The film on such a surface is very durable and resistant to moisture and abrasion, so you can safely wash the walls painted with enamel. In this case, not only ordinary soap, detergents and washing powder are used, but also soft abrasives, for example, soda. nine0003

Also for cleaning enamels, an aqueous solution of ammonia has proven itself: 1 tablespoon per liter of water.
For surface treatment, you can use melamine and foam rubber sponges, brushes with soft bristles, rags. Stubborn dirt can be intensively rubbed or another folk remedy can be used: raw potato gruel.

Latex, Acrylic and Silicone Paints

These coatings are also durable and moisture resistant and can be removed with any mild detergent. Stubborn stains respond well to cleaning with baking soda. The slurry from it is applied to the stain and wiped with medium pressure. First of all, the tool works as a mild abrasive. nine0003

To remove extensive and old dirt, you can prepare a solution of 3 liters of water, 100 gr. baking soda and 50 ml of ammonia.

Ways to remove different types of stains

Dirt on walls can come from a variety of sources. In order not to sort out a lot of funds, try using folk advice.

Starch for grease stains

Food and oil particles get on the wall near the stove. Starch will help remove them. Just immediately remove any food residue from the wall and apply a rag or napkin sprinkled with it to the stain. The stain can be rubbed off a little. The powder will absorb grease, and you do not have to wash the surface. You can also use talc or baby powder for these purposes. nine0003

Anti-rust alcohol and ink

Try wiping the stain with alcohol before using chemicals to remove rust. For these purposes, you can take an antiseptic wipe or simply apply the product to a rag. Cologne, vodka, medical alcohol and colorless tinctures on it are also suitable. Just do not rub the stain intensively, remove the dirt with gentle movements in order to less injure the surface.

All-purpose dishwashing gel

Dishwashing gels are effective for most wall stains. With their help, even frozen particles of fat can be removed without significant effort. The most important thing is to choose a tool that copes well with it.

Undiluted product is applied to an old stain or drip and left for a couple of minutes, after which the softened residues are removed with a sponge, brush or cloth. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated several times. Gradually, the gel will penetrate deeper into the pollution. After cleaning, the remnants of the agent are removed from the surface and wipe it dry. nineShaving Foam It is enough to squeeze out a small amount of the product for pollution and leave for 2-3 hours. After this time, the wall is simply wiped with a damp soft cloth.

In terms of cleaning, paint is one of the most unpretentious materials.

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