The walls in your bedroom and living areas are prone to accumulating scratches, stains, and fingerprints over time. They can also collect dust, smoke residue, insect droppings, and dirt from hands, feet, and furniture. Here are some tips to help you clean your walls effectively.
Move and Remove Furniture
For easier and more efficient cleaning, remove all wall hangings and move furniture away from the walls to give yourself ample space to work. Create a comfortable workspace to easily maneuver around and clean your walls. It is also recommended to cover furniture with plastic sheets to protect them from dust and dirt during the cleaning process.
Remove Dust and Cobwebs
Sometimes, simply removing dust can make a significant difference in the appearance of your walls. Start from the top of the wall, using a vacuum cleaner with a dusting brush attachment or a cloth-covered extension pole. Alternatively, you can use microfiber cloths to remove dust and cobwebs. If using disposable dusting cloths, change them frequently as they will pick up dust quickly. Always use a stepladder or a sturdy step stool when reaching for high points to ensure you can thoroughly clean every corner of the room.
Deep Cleaning
As part of your regular maintenance routine, flat-painted walls should be dusted and cobweb-free at least once a month, if not twice. Stains and dirt around doorknobs and light switches should be addressed as soon as possible. Don’t forget to pay attention to the corners of the room, including the area behind shelves and furniture. For a more intensive clean, limit this process to once or twice a year or before repainting the room.
Basic Cleaning with Water
Fill a bucket with warm water and dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth into it, wringing it out until it’s barely damp. Work in small sections, cleaning the walls from top to bottom as you move around the room.
Deep Cleaning with a Cleaning Solution
For a deeper clean, add a teaspoon of dish soap and half a cup of distilled white vinegar to each liter of warm water. Apply this solution to the walls to help remove stubborn stains and built-up dirt.
Address Scratches and Stains
If scratches and stains don’t come off easily, dampen a soft sponge and dip it into a small amount of baking soda. Gently rub the affected area. The mild abrasive action of baking soda can help lift these marks quickly. Check the sponge frequently, as you may notice the paint transferring to it. Be careful not to rub too vigorously, as this could remove the paint entirely.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
In some cases, it may be easier to cover scratches and stains with fresh paint rather than trying to clean them. If cleaning leaves shiny spots or removes paint, use leftover paint to touch up the walls. Try feathering the edges of the paintbrush to blend the new paint with the old. Pencil marks and grease stains are nearly impossible to remove from flat paint after cleaning, so do your best to clean them, and then paint over the area.
Choose the Right Day for Wall Cleaning
Pick a dry, non-humid day to clean your walls, and ensure you have the necessary help and time to clean all the walls in your home. If not, focus on one room at a time. Choosing a sunny day will help the walls dry faster, allowing you to put the furniture back in place before sunset and reducing the overall disruption in your home.
According to VTC News
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