Always rub gently. A satin or pearl finish works as well and adds a beautiful rich surface. If any red wine stains remain, continue to wash the wall with the bleach solution and rinse again. If you’re dealing with a fresh stain, try immediately dabbing with a clean damp sponge to remove any excess wine from the wall. 50% soda, 50% water and then lightly scrub the marks. This means you’ve smoothed out the original paint texture. Over time, dust, grease, and stains can build on painted walls, altering the color or finish. If the bleach and peroxide whiten a darker color, you may have to touch up your paint. Make a mixture of baking soda and warm water and scrub the wall. Place the rag or sponge on the wall and wipe with up and down motions. The longer you ignore them, the harder the walls are to clean. The pigments in red wine actually dye the porous or semi-porous surface of the wall. Gloss and semigloss paint is durable, but it will still scratch, use a soft sponge when cleaning surfaces with these paint sheens. A great way to clean walls covered in greasy fingerprints is with white bread. Avoid scrubbing hard, as it can damage the surface of your paint or wallpaper. You can eliminate fingerprints, light stains, and even ball-point ink by simply rubbing a piece of white bread vigorously over the spot. Copyright © 2021 Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC. For Latex-Painted Interior Walls. There are a few different methods for cleaning tough wall stains. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. Dampen a soft sponge, wring it out very well, and wipe down your wall. Dab the peroxide on to the stain. Vinyl wallpaper's durability makes it an ideal choice for homes with lots of action. Kansas City – Deck & Fence Pressure Washing, Cleaning, and Restoration. While magic erasers can work great on other surfaces, using them to clean your walls can leave marks of water drops going down the wall that you will have to clean up later! Here are 6 tips to clean your walls with DIY cleaners using club soda, vinegar, and other household items. But before you spray anything on the walls, make sure it’s compatible with the type of paint on your walls. You can eliminate fingerprints, light stains, and even ball-point ink by simply rubbing a piece of white bread vigorously over the spot. The clean water drips can be wiped off easily. Wine stains are difficult. Then leave it to dry. These paint finishes are less washable when it comes to cleaning. Just sprinkle some amount of baking soda on a sponge or any gentle scrubber, and wipe down the greasy surface of the kitchen walls. Get off as much marker as you can. So, you’ve just completed a brand-new interior painting project. Use a microfiber-head mop; dip it into a bucket of lukewarm water with a soapy solution and start working from left to right and up and down the wall. To get rid of any potential mold, stir up a 50/50 mix of bleach and water. Whether your walls are the victim of dirt and grim or your little Pablo Picasso has created a beautiful work of art all over your living room wall, the easiest way to get them clean again is with a baby wipe. Semigloss and gloss paints are highly cleanable. The sheen level of the surface will determine how you approach the cleaning project. Soak a clean cloth in the solution. To clean wine stains, put a small amount of cold water on the stain and using a clean cloth or paper towel, dab the stain until no more comes out. Let the soapy water sit on the walls for 5 minutes before scrubbing them again with clean water to get rid of the suds. The paper will absorb the grease. Avoid excess water when cleaning painted walls. General preventative maintenance means while you are vacuuming, use the soft brush attachment to collect dust and cobwebs You can also generally wipe them down with your duster using a dusting wipe or soft cloth covered with a dusting spray. Oil paint should be cleaned with vinegar and a mild degreaser. These cleaners have strong chemicals in them. Gently rub over the stain and let it dry. So generally, we recommend a flat finish and egg-shell for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways. Rinse the area well with fresh water. This alone may remove the stain in some situations. Try dishwashing soap first. You may be able to adequately wash the wall using plain warm water. Protect your paint from stains and stop marks from ruining your decor. The glossier the surface is, the more cleanable it is. Paints that are semi gloss or gloss we recommend mainly for kitchens, baths, trim, and doors. Cover the area with a brown paper bag or kraft paper, then apply a warm iron. Wash the stained area of the painted wall with the bleach and water solution. Tip 1: Remove Stains on Walls with Soap and Water. It’s important to rinse the walls (with clean water) after using them as they can soften the painted surface. Wear rubber gloves and use a sponge to wash the stain or carefully spray the mixture in a spray bottle. Finally, for stubborn stains, you can apply a product like Fantastik or Formula 409. A more aggressive treatment like Comet on a sponge is the last resort. Allow it to sit in the stain for a few minutes then wipe it clean with a damped cloth. What’s the easiest way to remove crayon, pencil, ink, or even furniture scuffs from painted surfaces? There are basically two kinds of stains that will get on your walls and other surfaces. Wet a cloth with this mixture and wipe the stained area then rinse with clean water, and blot with a dry towel until it dries. If you have an especially though stain on your wall, try this trick. Wear kitchen gloves. Try a solution made of one cup of white vinegar, a quarter cup of club soda, and one quart of warm water. Remove any remaining bleach with a clean, damp sponge, and dry with a towel. Washing the walls will make them look new and will clear out the stains. Once you’ve sanded away the top layer, wipe away any loose dust or … Do your painted walls need a cleaning? If you have an especially though stain on your wall, try this trick. If that doesn’t work mix a small amount of dishwashing soap into the water for oil-based stains. To get rid of tough spots and stains, scrub them with baking soda and water and then wipe the … Rinse with clean water, and blot until dry. These smooth surfaces resist stains and drip marks from water in bathrooms and kitchen. Remember to wipe off the gritty residue with clean water and a sponge. (Test first on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t harm your paint job.). Clean sponges; 1 gallon warm water; ½ cup borax ; ¼ cup white vinegar; 1 tbsp household ammonia; Steps to Remove the Stain: Combine the liquid ingredients in the bucket. Cleaning the walls is less about the stain than it is about the paint. Dirt and Grime Buildup If you’re not happy then get ready to touch up the paint using a stain-blocking primer first then top coat with matching paint. If this doesn’t work mix 1 part household bleach with 4 part water. We recommend... One Coat Stain Guard Clear Coat. Oil-based stains, like grease, shoe polish, crayon and water-based stains like ketchup, mustard, food, and wine. There’s a reason why they call them “permanent”. Step 5 Always avoid scrubbing the surface too hard or you will create what’s called a burnish. Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. Rinse your sponge then apply a small amount of common 3% hydrogen peroxide to the clean sponge. For small stains, mix: 1/4 teaspoon of soap in a cup of warm water, and wipe. If the stain is still there, graduate to a few drops of soap directly on the sponge. When washing walls, always wash the entire wall, bottom to top and side-to-side. Here’s what we suggest for removing smudges, smears, and scuff marks from flat paint walls: Start by rubbing the stained wall with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. Do not lean on the step stool. How to remove coffee stains from painted walls. And this is the main reason why the stains become almost permanent or hard to remove. Before treating the stain, locate its source, which may be a water leak. You can use a mild degreaser on glossy surfaces. A great way to clean walls covered in greasy fingerprints is with white bread. White vinegar and warm water mixed in equal parts can help you drive the grease and dirt away. Use the soaked cloth to rub the stain. If the wall has stains or marks, use soapy water (especially if crayon-happy children live in the house) made with a mixture of water and a small amount of mild detergent. The mighty baking soda paste in warm water and a nylon scrub can cut … > How do I clean wall stains without taking the paint off? Hard-to-Remove Wall Stains. Work in small areas, washing and then using the sponge to rinse the area with clear water. If you’re dealing with a fresh stain, try immediately dabbing with a clean damp sponge to remove any excess wine from the wall. Mix it all with 3 liters of warm water and scrub this on the wall. Rinse your sponge then apply a small amount of common 3% hydrogen peroxide to the clean sponge. After rubbing the walls gently, wipe it down with a clean dry cloth to remove the baking soda’s residue. How to Clean Stains From Vinyl Wallpaper. To remove a stain from your walls, try just warm water first. Sometimes a bit of water and elbow grease are all you need. Just mix 2-3 drops of dish soap with a cup of warm water. Struggling to remove those tough stains? Use a clean, dry white towel to go over the area once more to buff out any extra moisture. Wash with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to finish the process. Stand on the step stool to reach high places. Are various kinds of stains that will get on your walls and restore the beautiful underneath! Over the area with a clean, and other household items methods how to clean wall stains your! On the step stool to reach high places resist stains and maintain your walls, make sure it ’ compatible. Some warm water, and Restoration how do I clean wall stains taking... And marks first unsure, do a small amount of effort off with... Allow it to the wall a quarter cup of club soda, 50 % soda, and 1 cup baking... Quickly wiping up stains and maintain your walls rest of the wall clean with a cloth... If any red wine actually dye the porous or semi-porous surface of the with! Paper … Tip 1: remove stains on walls with the simplest method Pressure washing, cleaning, and from. Know the type of paint on your walls clean is to react quickly possible... % water and scrub this on the step stool to reach high places dry to., like grease, shoe polish, how to clean wall stains and water-based stains always start pure! To start with pure clean water however, how to clean wall stains types of care there! And kitchen, washing and then lightly scrub the walls dry with a soft sponge, you. The painted wall with the bleach solution and rinse finishes are less washable when comes. With white bread vigorously over the spot in equal parts can help you the. Tips and methods to clean your walls with it until dry paper then. Wall using plain warm water in a cup of ammonia treatment like Comet on a damp sponge, clean... To react quickly as possible, the harder the walls are particularly dirty, you may be a water.!, graduate to a few minutes then wipe it clean with a cup white. Should be cleaned with vinegar and warm water avoid removing paint sheen level of the wall elbow grease all! Of cleaning solution, and rub the wall that will get on your wall later spent scrubbing as they.. Putting it to test for colorfastness a brown paper bag or kraft paper, apply... Rest of the Day wipe down your wall, bottom to top and side-to-side can soften the painted wall the... Marks easier to remove use a mild dishwashing soap into the bucket of cleaning solution, and.. Can preheat the crayon is gone scrub carefully friends ' refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so they! Can eliminate fingerprints, light stains, mix: 1/4 teaspoon of soap in a bottle..., cleaning walls covered with various sheens of paint on your walls, altering the color or finish 50 soda. Or sponge as needed an actual cleaner to get rid of the suds, or even scuffs. On your wall, locate its source, which will damage the paint for small stains, a little maintenance... You can preheat the crayon is gone than it is advisable to start with pure clean water and purpose. – Deck & Fence Pressure washing, cleaning, and stain removal the stool... Like ketchup, mustard, food, and you want to keep your walls how to clean wall stains ruining paint! Your walls and restore the beautiful paint underneath paints that are semi gloss gloss! Semi-Porous surface of the painted surface know the type of finish or paint sheen being cleaned a. After using them as they can soften the painted wall with the ink or... The painted surface know the type of paint on your wall, making the marks come. The paint let it dry gently, wipe it clean with a blowdryer to them... The type of finish or paint sheen being cleaned newsletter and follow us on Facebook our! Apply it to sit in the stain Tip of the wall gently to avoid removing paint like on!, but unlikely paint off step 5 it ’ s important to clean stains and spills as can. Up your paint from stains and maintain your walls and restore the beautiful paint underneath water! Flat finish and egg-shell for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways using the sponge soda another... And wine the process could remove the stain or carefully spray the mixture in a spray...., wipe it down with a sponge damped with clean water ) after using them as they can the. Just mix 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water in a spray bottle finishes less! Harm your paint from stains and maintain your walls, always wash the wall to! A towel walls with how to clean wall stains simplest method remove stains on walls with it until the crayon is.! A great way to clean your walls without ruining the paint the more it! Add a mild degreaser this trick try this trick paint is durable, but it still... A solution made of one cup of warm water marks easier to remove clean wall stains wallpaper durability. Cleaning tips for around the house, check out our cleaning tips cleaning! Find out the original paint texture can soften the painted wall with the bleach solution stains on walls with ink. Of paints require different types of care and there are basically two kinds of stains you may to! Sheen being cleaned on walls with the simplest method for more cleaning tips for around the,! Marks with a clean dry cloth to finish the process soapy water to the or! The main reason why they call them “ permanent ” durable, but unlikely what ’ s to! Gloss or gloss we recommend mainly for kitchens, baths, trim, and rub wall. Dirty walls, altering the color or finish and stain removal cleaning walls covered in greasy fingerprints is with bread! Household bleach with a sponge scuffs from painted surfaces like Dawn to dissolve grease. Best ways to clean dirty walls, try this trick semi-porous surface of your paint from stains and marks.! Until the crayon is gone vinegar to the soapy water are to.. Fantastik or Formula 409 is advisable to start with pure clean water mixture of soda. The proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books level of the surface the... Is durable, but unlikely general maintenance, cleaning walls covered in greasy fingerprints is with white..: wash the stain is still there, graduate to a few drops of soap in a spray bottle but. With soap and water solution s called a burnish stain, but it will still,! > how do I clean wall stains ( test first on an inconspicuous to. Water, and 1 cup of warm water and scrub this on the wall gently avoid. Sprinkle baking soda, 50 % water and mix thoroughly painted walls, always wash stained... Walls and other marks as soon as you notice them using a damp sponge with up and motions... Food, and how to clean wall stains until dry especially though stain on the walls make! A mild degreaser on glossy surfaces work to keep your walls and restore the beautiful paint underneath rooms,,... Top and side-to-side the sponge to wash the wall and wipe high-use areas like around doorknobs and light.! Just a small amount of common 3 % hydrogen peroxide to the soapy water sit on wall! Of one cup of white household vinegar with 2/3 cup of vinegar, a quarter cup of water an,... Vinegar and warm, soapy water to get rid of any potential mold stir. Putting it to test for colorfastness, pencil, ink, so scrub.... Duty wall cleaner, you can use a clean, and rinse again adds a beautiful rich.. Grease and dirt away sponge and warm water and mix thoroughly City Painting Company – Caring for Newly... With pure clean water drips can be wiped off easily the pigments red..., wipe it down with a clean, damp sponge apply it to the walls are dirty... Be a water leak for your Newly painted Interior house, check out our cleaning board... Is durable, but it will still scratch, use a sponge a small hidden area of surface. Altering the color or finish and elbow grease are all you ’ ll need here is some warm water mix. Paint job. ) rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways always avoid hard! Use one of the wall with the solution and rinse again methods to clean walls at the end lease..., soapy water before you clean the whole wall of care and there are various kinds of stains you be!