Stains occur on walls in a wide variety of ways. Basic wear and tear, scuffs, dirt, and many other things can lead to stains. Though they can occur extremely easily, it is likely that they will detract from the appearance of the walls. Understanding how to remove stains from your walls can help to improve the appearance of your walls in between paint jobs. Here are a few tips to help you remove stains from walls in your property.
Consider the Type of Paint
It is important to keep your specific type of paint in mind when you attempt to remove stains from your walls. Some types of paints are more susceptible to damage from various materials. Our team can provide you with valuable information regarding the ideal ways to clean your specific paint type.
Perform Spot Tests
Spot tests are an important part of protecting your existing paint job. When you directly use some cleaning strategies on the stain, it can cause damage to the paint beneath the stain. It is extremely important to first test the method on a less apparent patch of the wall before using it somewhere where it will be difficult to hide. This will go a long way toward protecting the appearance of your walls and minimizing the possibility of damage to your paint.
Use Gentlest Methods First
It is critical to ensure that you begin with the gentlest cleansing methods possible when you try to remove stains from your walls. Some stains may be more easily dealt with and you may cause accidental damage to your paint job when you use a harsher method first. Begin by trying to remove the stain simply with water and a sponge and slowly incorporate stronger methods if the stain resists your efforts.
Consider the Stain’s Cause
It is important to keep the underlying cause of the stain in mind to determine the ideal method. Though other methods may be used to remove general stains, specific methods can be implemented to remove specific types of stains.
Scorch Marks
It can be tempting to try to clean off scorch marks by scrubbing at them. This is only likely to make them much worse. Soak a sponge with rubbing alcohol to most effectively remove stains caused by scorch marks.
Mildew
It is critical for the health of your family to remove mildew when it develops. Mold and mildew can be devastating to the health of those that regularly breathe in its spores. Spray mildew stains with vinegar water, a combination of 1 quart of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
Water Stains
It is crucial to identify the cause of water damage when water stains appear on your walls. Without repairing the underlying cause, the stain will reappear and substantial damage may occur to your property. After you have repaired the cause, you may focus on getting rid of the water stain. The most effective way to remove water stains is a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water. Spray the stain with this substance numerous times and it should remove the stain.
Ink
Ink from a ballpoint pen can often be removed by using foaming shaving cream or nail polish remover. This can help to remove the ink from the surface of the wall effectively, due to the interaction between the substances.
Strategies for Cleaning
There are a multitude of strategies for cleaning stains from your walls. Some people swear by using white bread to soak up various oils, while others use only homemade cleansers. Unfortunately, there isn’t really one strategy that can be used in order to remove stains from the walls. Various causes and paint types will require different cleaning strategies. Here are a few great strategies for cleaning your walls and removing stains from them.
Water and a Sponge
A very basic cleaning method involves nothing more than some water and a sponge. This may be sufficient to remove many kinds of stains. If this solution doesn’t work, you can increase the intensity by adding mild soap to the mix. If the stain still persists, you may then want to consider mixing a cleaning solution of 1 gallon of warm water, ½ cup vinegar, 1 cup ammonia, and ¼ cup baking soda.
Paste of Baking Soda
Creating a paste out of baking soda can go a long way toward removing stains and dirt from the surface of your walls. It is still important to test the baking soda mixture on a small portion of wall. This solution can be created with the use of baking soda and a small amount of water. If the mixture doesn’t hurt the surface of the wall, you can use it to clean the wall. This solution is great for both removing stains and providing a thorough clean for the entire wall.
Wall Cleaners
There are many varieties of cleaners that are designed specifically to remove stains or clean walls. These may be valuable options for cleaning your walls, though you will still need to do a spot test. Additionally, you may be able to get by with an all-purpose cleaner instead of a more specialized variety. Use a microfiber cloth with these cleaners and remember to be gentle when scrubbing.
Cleaning Erasers
Cleaning erasers are special wall-cleaning tools that are designed specifically to remove stains from the surface of the wall. These can often be obtained simply from a grocery store. It is important to test these erasers prior to use. Without doing so, it is possible that you will simply make the stain much worse. Wet the eraser according to the instructions on the package. Then, all you have to do is gently rub the mark until it disappears!
Removing stains from your walls can go a long way toward improving the appearance and protecting your paint job. Sometimes, however, it will simply be necessary to obtain a new paint job to provide a pristine appearance to your room. Here at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings, we offer superior professional painting services to improve the value and appearance of your property. Contact our experts to learn more about these services.
