How to Clean Walls of All Kinds

Alison Palmer • Aug 15, 2017

How to Clean Walls With Wallpaper It’s pretty easy to totally forget that from time to time, you need to clean the walls that surround you. Every month or two give wallpapered walls a gentle brush down with a soft duster or vacuum attachment.  Wallpaper is quite fragile so be careful.  A microfiber cloth can […] The post How to Clean Walls of All Kinds appeared first on Custom Maid.

How to Clean Walls With Wallpaper

It’s pretty easy to totally forget that from time to time, you need to clean the walls that surround you. Every month or two give wallpapered walls a gentle brush down with a soft duster or vacuum attachment.  Wallpaper is quite fragile so be careful.  A microfiber cloth can do a fine job as well.

What if there are spots or stains on the wallpaper?   Always keep in mind that water/moisture is the enemy of wallpaper.  When you attempt to remove a spot, use the barest minimum of water.  Test the water on a small, out of the way space and wait overnight to see if it leaves any water spots.  If no water marks appear, then begin with a sponge.  Use very gentle pressure and the least amount of water possible to try to remove the spot.  If the spot needs more effort to disappear, then use a very mild soap and water solution.  Take your time.  Wipe the spot once or twice gently, then wait.  You may need a second swipe.

How to clean walls that do not react to the really gentle method above?  You can try a paste made of a very small amount of water,  just enough to make baking soda into a paste.  Have a sponge at the ready to catch any drips.  Cover the spot or stain with the paste and allow it to sit for a few minutes.  Remove the paste carefully.  If the spot is still there, you may need to apply more paste a few more times for optimum results.

Granny had a good, old fashioned method, if all else fails.  Using plain old white bread, form it into a ball and use it as an eraser.  Gluten in the bread may suck the stain or dirt right out.

How to Clean Walls with Wood Paneling

Most paneling is sealed when it comes from the factory.  Here’s how to clean walls with sealed surfaces.  Every couple of months use a vacuum, a duster or a microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt from the wood.  When it is spring cleaning time, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water and wrung out very well.  If your paneling is more heavily soiled with nicotine or residue from a wood burning fireplace, then make a very mild soap and water solution and apply it with a microfiber cloth.  To make your job a little easier, use a microfiber flat mop and mop the walls.  You can remove the soap residue by making a mixture of 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a gallon of water.  Use your microfiber mop with this solution and the soap residue will come right off.

If you are looking for a shiny surface, put a little jojoba oil on your microfiber mop and buff the walls to a shine.

How to Clean Walls That Are Painted or Made of Brick

A good rule of thumb or how to clean walls that are painted, is that the shinier the surface, the more cleaning it can take.  Your kitchen and bathrooms most likely have enamel paint which stands up to cleaning.  Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.  Run it under clear water and wring it out well.  It will remove spots and stain from enamel  paint.  I give my grandkids each a Magic Eraser and send them on a hunt for spots.  They love it!

Brick walls are most often found surrounding a fireplace.  First, vacuum the area with a brush attachment.  Stiff bristles will do a better job.  Then make a paste using equal amounts of salt and dishwashing detergent.  Add enough water to make the paste.  Then apply the paste to the brick.  Allow it to sit for several minutes.  Use a scrub brush with very stiff bristles to agitate the paste.  You can remove the paste using a wet sponge.  Be sure to rinse it often in a bucket of water.

Once you know how to clean walls, your home will be healthier which should make you and your family happier.

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