Stains that are present on the walls can substantially detract from the overall appearance of any wall, even if the paint job is otherwise pristine. Though a new paint job can significantly improve the appearance of the wall, it may be beneficial to know how to remove stains from the walls in the meantime. Here are a few top tips for removing stains from your walls!
Always Use Test Spots
Some cleaning solutions may be too strong for your walls. It is important to use a test spot prior to implementing these solutions on obvious locations of your walls. Choose an unobtrusive area of your wall to test the cleanser on first. This will help to ensure that any impact the solution has on your wall will be easy to hide. If there is no damage or change in appearance on the area of the wall that you tested the solution on, it is likely that you will be able to use this method for your stain.
Keep your Paint Type in Mind
It is critical to keep your specific paint type in mind when you remove stains from your walls. There are several varieties of paint that may interact differently with other substances. Our experts can help to provide you with advice and guidance regarding cleaning strategies that are safe with your specific paint type.
Start with the Gentlest Method
When you begin to try to remove stains from your walls, it is important to begin with the gentlest method possible. Some stains will be easier to remove than others. You don’t want to use intense cleaning solutions in a situation where water and a sponge would have done the trick. When you start with the gentlest method first, you can help to protect your paint job from sustaining damage. It is also important to remember to be gentle when scrubbing the surface of the wall to similarly prevent damage.
Water and Soap
In order to start with the gentlest method first, you should likely begin with just some water and a sponge. Ensure that you are gentle while scrubbing to prevent damage to the surface of your paint. If this strategy is ineffective, you can add a mild soap to the concoction. If the solution is still unable to remove the stain, you can create a stronger cleansing mixture. This mixture can be created by combining 1 cup of ammonia, ¼ cup of baking soda, 1 gallon of warm water, and ½ cup of vinegar.
Cleaning Erasers
In some situations, the most effective strategy will be to use tools that are designed specifically to erase stains. Cleaning erasers are such tools. They can be easily obtained from most grocery stores. It is important to spot test with cleaning erasers prior to using them, to prevent the likelihood of making the stain worse. Cleaning erasers are incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is wet them according to their instructions and gently rub at the mark with the eraser.
Wall Cleaners
There are many cleaners that are manufactured specifically to clean walls or remove stains from the walls. As with all of the other cleaning solutions, you need to spot test prior to use. Though these cleaners may be extremely effective, it is possible that a basic all-purpose cleaner will meet your needs.
Baking Soda Paste
A baking soda paste solution can be implemented to both clean and remove stains from the surface of the walls. This concoction can be created by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. As with other solutions, you must test it prior to implementing the solution. If it doesn’t impact the paint job, you can likely use it as a cleaner for the entire surface of the wall. Ensure that you continue to scrub gently to prevent damage from occurring to the paint job.
Difficult Stains
In some situations, implementing the ideal solution will depend heavily on the cause of the stain. Here are a few various approaches for dealing with some of the more difficult types of stains.
Mildew
Mildew is a substance that is incredibly important to clean. When it is allowed to grow and remain in the area, it can be detrimental to the health of those that live within the building. In order to remove mildew and prevent it from re-growing, you can spray the area with vinegar water. This mixture is created by combining 1 quart of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Put this in a spray bottle and use it on the mildew.
Permanent Marker
Permanent marker is a stain type that is notoriously difficult to remove. It is important to use specific mixtures to interact with the materials that comprise permanent markers. One approach to removing permanent marker is by soaking cotton balls in rubbing alcohols. Dab at the stain with these cotton balls. You may want to put a towel beneath the space to catch any spills. An alternative method is to spray the stain with hairspray and wipe up the solution.
Scorch Marks
Scorch marks may look like they can be removed by rubbing, but this isn’t the case. Scrubbing at scorch marks is likely to simply make them worse. Wet a sponge with rubbing alcohol in order to remove scorch mark stains from your walls.
Water Stains
When you notice water stains on your walls, it is important to identify the cause of the water damage. If you don’t make the necessary repairs, water stains will simply reappear and substantial damage is likely to occur to your property. After you have repaired the underlying cause, you can deal with the water stain. Create a solution of bleach and water. Generally, you want the solut
ion to include no more than 10% bleach and 90% water. Spray this on the stain. You will likely have to repeat the process five or six times, but it should remove the water stain. If this is ineffective, the wall may need to be repainted to hide the stain.
Here at Allied Painters, we offer superior painting services to protect the appearance of your property. Though removing stains can be particularly beneficial, it will eventually become time to obtain a new paint job for your property. To learn more about obtaining a safe, effective professional paint job, contact our expert team today!
