There’s no denying it: walls can get pretty dirty. Whether it’s fingerprints from little ones or smudges from cooking, it all adds up. And while a quick once-over with a dust cloth might do the trick for everyday cleaning, walls need a little extra love every now and then. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Read on for our tips on how to clean walls the right way.
Cleaning Techniques for Different Types of Wall Finishes
Just as there are different types of wall finishes, there are also different cleaning techniques that work best on each one. Here’s a quick rundown of some common wall finishes and how to clean them:
One of the most common wall finishes, paint is easy to clean with just a little soap and water. For tougher stains, you can also use a sponge or soft brush dipped in soapy water. Just be sure to rinse off any soap residue afterwards. For painted walls with a high gloss finish, you’ll want to avoid using anything too abrasive as it could leave scratches. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or another soft material.
* Wallpaper: While wallpaper is certainly easier to clean than paint (no need to worry about drips!), it’s still important to exercise caution. Start by dusting with a microfiber cloth or gentle brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. For more stubborn dirt and grime, you can lightly dampen your cloth with cool water before wiping down the surface. Just be sure not use too much water as this could damage the wallpaper. If you’re dealing with a stain, spot-clean using cool water and a mild detergent before rinsing thoroughly.
* Wood paneling: Wood paneling is another popular wall finish, though it doesn’t require much in terms of upkeep. A simple dusting with a microfiber cloth should do the trick here. If you’re dealing with more stubborn dirt or grime, you can lightly dampen your cloth before wiping down the surface—just be sure not to saturate the wood as this could cause damage.
* Stone: Stone walls are beautiful but also require a bit more care when cleaning. Start by dusting with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner or an electrostatic duster designed specifically for stone surfaces.For more stubborn dirt, you can create a cleaning solution using cool water and pH-neutral dish soap (one teaspoon per gallon of water). Using a sponge or soft brush, gently scrub the surface before rinsing thoroughly with cool water—again, being careful not to saturate the stone as this could cause damage.
There’s no denying that keeping walls clean can be a bit of effort—but it’s definitely worth it when you see the results! By following our tips and using the right cleaning supplies and techniques for your type of wall finish, you’ll have beautiful, clean walls in no time at all.