The walls in the average home become tired and dirty over time. Scuffs, dust and grime can accumulate quickly, which can completely change the colour of a wall. But rather than reaching for the paint pot, cleaning might be the answer.
The next time you notice that you’re walls are a little scruffy, remember the following tips.
Take preventative measures
The best way to clean your walls is to stop them getting dirty in the first place. If you have children in the home, protect vulnerable walls with carefully placed furniture. If you have a dog, consider covering exposed walls with perspex.
It’s also a good idea to add the cleaning of your walls to a monthly cleaning schedule. This will help you to stay on top of dust, grease, dirt and stains.
Use washable wallpaper
Washable wallpaper is a great idea if you have children in your home. A good quality paper provides a low-maintenance, wipeable surface that can usually be cleaned with nothing more than a wet sponge. If you’re dealing with a tricky stain such as blood, chocolate or grease, use a little dishwashing detergent as well.
Stay on top of grouting
Ceramic wall tiles are smooth, impermeable and very easy to clean — which is why they’re used in some of the dirtiest areas of the home. Nothing more than some warm, soapy water and a microfibre cloth is needed for most cleaning jobs.
However, tile grouting is a completely different matter. Grout can become dirty and discoloured over time, and simple soap and water doesn’t do the job. Use an anti-mould cleaner to clean grouting. However, a much safer option is a handheld steam cleaner, which should be able to cut through grime, soapscum and mould relatively easily.
Deal with finger marks immediately
Dirty fingers don’t just leave dirt on wallcoverings, they also leave grease. It’s therefore essential that you clean fingerprints from walls immediately. This shouldn’t be an issue if the wall is painted in gloss or silk paint. If you’re having trouble removing finger marks from paper or other non-wipeable surfaces, create a mild solution of water, white vinegar and dishwashing detergent — and gently apply it with a sponge.
Deal with pen immediately
The faster you react to finding pen on your walls, the greater the chance you can remove it successfully. While a sponge and some hot, soapy water might do the trick on certain surfaces, you might need to use a special ink eraser for the job — so make sure you always have some lying around if you have small children in the house.
Check the type of paint on the wall first
As long as your cleaning a wall painted in gloss or silk paint, you should be able to remove most things with a sponge and hot, soapy water. Cleaning walls painted with latex paint should be relatively straightforward. However, if you run into problems, a paste of baking soda and white vinegar should do the trick. If you’re cleaning oil-based paints, there are some dedicated cleaning agents on the market you might like to try.
If you’re dealing with a wall painted in a matt finish, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to apply a fresh coat. However, before you do, try removing the stain with a solution of warm water, dishwashing liquid and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stain very gently with a soft, clean sponge.
The walls in your home are crucial to the overall aesthetic — so make sure they’re always clean and stain-free.