How to Clean Walls: 7 Techniques, Tips, and Tricks

Introduction

Keeping your walls clean is crucial for maintaining a spotless home. Dirty walls can detract from the overall appearance and leave your home looking dingy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share 7 effective techniques, tips, and tricks for cleaning your walls. From basic cleaning to deep-cleaning, and even chemical-free solutions, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep your walls looking their best.

7 Effective Techniques for Cleaning Your Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

Here are 7 different techniques for cleaning your walls, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Follow these step-by-step instructions for best results:

Dry Sponge: Use a dry sponge to remove surface-level dirt and grime. This technique is ideal for painted walls, but might not work for walls with heavy stains or marks.
Bucket and Sponge: This is a traditional cleaning method that works well for all types of walls. Simply mix warm water and a mild detergent in a bucket, dip your sponge in the solution, and wipe down your walls.
Microfiber Cloth: A microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning walls with a dusty or light layer of dirt. It’s gentle on surfaces, and won’t leave streak marks behind.
Foam Cleaner: Foam cleaners are perfect for cleaning vertical surfaces because they don’t drip or run down the wall. They’re also effective at removing grease and other stubborn stains.
Steamer: Use a steamer for deep-cleaning walls. They’re effective at removing germs and bacteria, and can easily penetrate hard-to-reach areas. However, you should be cautious when using a steamer on painted walls, as the high heat can cause the paint to bubble or peel.
Polisher: A wall polishing machine can help to restore walls to their original condition. They work by using a rotating pad to buff away dirt and stains. This technique is ideal for walls that have a buildup of dirt or grime over an extended period of time.
Dry Eraser: Use a dry eraser to remove small scuff marks and dirt from walls. This method is quick and easy, but might not work for heavy stains.

Wall Cleaning 101: Tips and Tricks for a Spotless Home

Here are some basic tips and tricks for keeping walls clean:

Regularly dust walls using a microfiber cloth.
Use a soft-bristle brush to remove cobwebs and debris from corners and hard-to-reach areas.
Be careful when using a vacuum cleaner on walls, as the suction can cause damage to the wall’s surface.
Wipe up spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting in.
Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean painted walls, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue behind.
Test any new cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area before using them on larger areas of the wall.
Stick to non-abrasive cleaning tools to avoid damaging the wall’s surface.

It’s also important to note that some types of walls are easier/harder to clean than others. For example, walls with a textured surface or wallpaper can be more difficult to clean than painted walls with a smooth surface. Additionally, walls in high-traffic areas, such as hallways or entryways, might require more frequent cleaning than walls in low-traffic areas.

To make wall cleaning easier and more effective, consider investing in the following tools and products:

A soft-bristle brush for removing dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
A microfiber cloth for dusting and wiping down walls.
A bucket and sponge for basic cleaning.
A foam cleaner for tougher stains and grease buildup.

The Ultimate List of Wall-Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know

If traditional cleaning methods don’t work, try these unconventional and creative methods:

Use white bread to remove scuff marks and dirt. Simply ball up a piece of bread and rub it gently against the wall.
Use a pencil eraser to remove crayon marks.
Mix vinegar and baking soda to remove stubborn stains and odors.
Use toothpaste to remove nail polish stains from walls.
Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove tough stains and grease.

Beyond Wiping Down: Deep-Cleaning Your Walls for a Fresh Look

Deep-cleaning your walls on a regular basis is essential for maintaining a fresh, clean look. Here’s how to know when it’s time to deep-clean:

You notice a buildup of dirt, grime, or grease on your walls.
Your walls have become discolored or faded over time.
Your walls have a musty or unpleasant odor.

To deep-clean your walls, you’ll need the following tools:

A steamer or polisher.
A soft-bristle brush.
A bucket of warm water with a cleaning solution.

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Remove all furniture and accessories from the room.
Vacuum the walls to remove loose dirt and debris.
Mix a cleaning solution in a bucket of warm water. Use a mild detergent, baking soda, or vinegar.
Starting at the top of the wall, use the steamer or polisher to clean the wall in small sections.
Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and grime.
Rinse the wall thoroughly with clean water, using a damp cloth or sponge.
Allow the wall to air-dry completely before replacing furniture and accessories.

DIY Wall Cleaning Solutions for a Chemical-Free Home

Chemical cleaners can be harsh and damaging to the environment. Here are some natural, chemical-free solutions for cleaning walls:

Use vinegar and baking soda for general cleaning purposes.
Use lemon juice and baking soda to remove tough stains and grease.
Create a solution of water and essential oils for a natural and pleasant-smelling cleaner.
Mix water and borax to remove mold and mildew without using harmful chemicals.

Below are a few recipes and instructions for creating homemade wall cleaners:

Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir well. Apply the solution to a clean sponge or cloth and use it to wipe down your walls.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Apply the mixture to a clean sponge or cloth and use it to scrub away tough stains and grease.
Water and Essential Oils: Mix 1 cup of warm water with 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Apply the solution to a clean sponge or cloth and use it to wipe down your walls.
Water and Borax: Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1/2 cup of borax. Stir well to dissolve the borax. Apply the solution to a clean sponge or cloth and use it to remove mold and mildew from your walls.

Quick and Easy Wall Cleaning Methods for Busy Individuals

If you’re short on time, try these quick and easy methods to keep your walls clean:

Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust and pet hair from walls.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to quickly wipe down walls in high-traffic areas.
Spot-clean small stains and marks using a scrub brush and cleaning solution.
Invest in a robot vacuum that can clean walls while you go about your day-to-day tasks.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about the different techniques, tips, tricks, and hacks for wall cleaning, you can put them into action for a spotless home. Remember to regularly clean your walls using gentle cleaning tools and solutions, test any new cleaning products on a small area first, and deep-clean your walls on a regular basis. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a clean and fresh home for years to come.