How to Clean Your Walls Inside the Home
Cleaning can be a hassle when you have a myriad of other things to do at home. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who will say that they actually enjoy this time-consuming chore. Nevertheless, we sweep the floor regularly and wipe dirty surfaces to make our homes inviting. But do you really know how to clean your walls?
With a long list of cleaning chores that one must complete to achieve a clutter-free home, it is easy to miss certain spots that attract bacteria and collect dust. A good example of overlooked spots in the house are the walls that collect an incredible amount of dust and grime. If you think your walls are clean, try turning on the lights and opening the blinds, and you’ll be surprised just how much dust is clinging to the surface.Â
Since walls are prone to grease marks, and cobwebs, you should aim to clean this part of the house at least twice a year. We suggest doing a deep cleaning of the walls in early fall and late spring when you can open the door for a quicker drying process.Â
Here are the steps to follow for removing unwanted marks on the walls, so you can have a beautiful backdrop that maintains a freshly painted look:
Prepare for the Cleaning
Before you start removing finger marks and other debris from the wall, make sure to move anything of value away from the walls. This will give you enough workspace to get at the dust that has collected behind appliances or cabinets without worrying about the water dripping into the furniture. Secondly, place a drop cloth or some old towels on the floor to catch any water drips from the walls.
Dust the Walls
The first thing you need to do is to remove spider webs and wipe away any debris from the wall. You can use a vacuum cleaner, a high-reaching broom, or a dusting brush to do this. Run the vacuum or broom up and down the surface, and go over the corners of the wall a few times to get rid of cobwebs. If you find any debris in the high corners of the wall, it is a good idea to use a ladder so you can clean the high up areas.
Remove Grease Marks
Once you are done sucking up dust and cobwebs it’s time to banish stubborn smudges that ruin the look of your walls.Â
Start by making a cleaning solution with 20 ounces of water, and one tablespoon of dish detergent. Spritz the solution on the wall and allow five minutes before you use a sponge to wipe away the marks on the wall.Â
As you clean 3-foot by 3-foot sections of the structure, continue to dip the sponge in warm water and wring it out often so it is not dripping wet when you use it on the wall.Â
This cleaning method will work well on walls painted with enamel. But if the walls in your house have flat finishes, you will need to use a gentler cleaning solution to avoid damaging the paint. Sometimes, plain water is all you need to get the marks off, so you want to start by rubbing the stained wall using a clean sponge soaked in water. If that does not work, you can add vinegar to the damp cloth and gently scrub the surface to eliminate the stain.
Consider the Type of Wallpaper or Paint
Each type of paint is associated with a different cleaning method. What may be harmless for a semi-gloss painted wall may damage a flat paint wall, so it’s important to take extra care in cleaning the walls and using the appropriate cleaning solutions to avoid ending up with damaged paint. If you are unsure of the proper cleaning process for your walls, you can have the structure professionally cleaned. Trained cleaners, such as these Sydney cleaners from Pristine Home, understand that certain types of wall paint require special treatment, so you can expect them to use safe cleaning solutions to make your walls blemish-free.
