How to Clean Walls Like Professionals
Dirt and dust buildup, scuff marks, stubborn stains, cobwebs, and mould infestation on the walls can affect indoor air quality and lead to serious health hazards. Unfortunately, abrasive scrubbing or harsh chemicals can wear out the paint or cause serious damage to the walls. This can also ruin the overall look and feel of your house.
If you want to keep your living space looking beautiful and spotless, regularly clean your finished and unfinished walls using tried and tested strategies. It is good to act on spills and splatters immediately and always test the product on a hidden area before applying it on a visible part to achieve the desired results.
Here is a complete guide on cleaning walls like professionals. Follow these tips to tackle visible dirt, stains, spills and splatters from the surface and pass your rental inspection.
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]- Stock up On Necessary Cleaning Supplies
- Remove Dust From Walls
- Be Gentle on Eggshell and Satin Finishes
- Use Diluted White Vinegar to Clean Gloss Finishes
- Baking Soda is Perfect for Oil-Based Paint Finish
- Use a DIY Cleaning Agent for Latex Wall Finish
- Remove Mould From Walls Using Hydrogen Peroxide
- Use Magic Erasers with Caution
- Clean Wallpapered Walls With Rubbing Alcohol
- Clean Wooden Walls using Vinegar and Essential Oils
- Wrapping Up
1. Stock up On Necessary Cleaning Supplies
You need tools and products like professionals to clean filthy walls- including ceilings and corners. Instead of using harmful cleaning products that contain Volatile Organic Compounds, ensure you stock up on natural cleaning products that are environmentally safe and super-affordable. All you need:
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Baking Soda
- Telescopic Microfiber duster and cloths
- Rubbing alcohol
- Liquid Dishwashing Soap
- Magic erasers
- Sponges
2. Remove Dust From Walls
Professionals also start from the ceiling walls when carrying out a cheap end of lease cleaning Sydney. So, cover your furniture and other items and dust your walls from top-to-bottom. You can use a telescopic microfiber duster to reach the ceilings, nooks and crannies. It will help you fetch cobwebs and inspect marks easily.
Wipe down the ceilings and mouldings using dry microfiber cloths, working your way towards the skirting boards. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and ensure healthy indoor air quality.
3. Be Gentle on Eggshell and Satin Finishes
Flat, eggshell and satin are the most delicate wall paint finishes. They are prone to abrasive cleaning tools and harsh chemicals. So, be careful when sprucing up the wall finishes. Remove stains and smudges using mild dish soap and warm water.
Dampen a soft sponge in the solution and gently remove the stains and grime. Remember that a wet sponge can drip down the wall, leaving streaks behind if not tackled immediately. So squeeze out a damp sponge to remove excess water and clean your walls. Professionals do the same and deliver spotless walls for a hassle-free rental inspection.
4. Use Diluted White Vinegar to Clean Gloss Finishes
End of lease cleaning Sydney experts believe that glossy and semi-glossy wall paint finishes can withstand mildly strong cleaning agent. So, it is good to prepare a homemade cleaning product using white vinegar, warm water and a few drops of dishwashing soap.
Mix it in a spray bottle and apply it on the affected area, including mould stains, grease, grime and gunk. Now, gently wipe down using a wet sponge or a microfiber cloth. Let it dry completely.
5. Baking Soda is Perfect for Oil-Based Paint Finish
Never use white vinegar or other acidic cleaning agents on walls with oil-based paint. The acetic acid in vinegar can damage or discolour the finish. If you want to achieve pro-like results, use baking soda, dish soap, and a warm water solution.
This natural cleaning agent easily removes greasy and grimy stains from walls. Dip a sponge in the solution and gently scrub your walls. Make sure you wipe off the baking soda residue with a clean cloth to prevent unpleasant streaks.
However, always remember that professional cleaning can boost the property value. So, hire experts if you are selling your house or preparing for a move-out.
6. Use a DIY Cleaning Agent for Latex Wall Finish
To clean walls with a latex finish, you can use white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution. Dip a sponge in the cleaner, wring out excess solution, and gently clean your walls. Gently scrub in a circular motion to remove crayons and grease stains easily.
7. Remove Mould From Walls Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the most powerful cleaning products. It can easily remove mould stains and grime from finished and unfinished walls. Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and spray the solution on the affected area.
Use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to remove the stains. Make sure you keep the windows and doors open for ensure proper home ventilation. Rinse, wipe and dry the walls to prevent further infestation.
8. Use Magic Erasers with Caution
Of course, magic erasers are perfect for cleaning walls, but they should be used carefully to prevent scratches and serious damage. This particular tool can remove paint finish or leave scuff marks, especially on flat and matte walls. It is always good to pre-treat the stains with soapy water and wet your magic eraser.
Gently move your hand in a circular motion to remove the crayons, grease, and other stubborn stains. Wipe the cleaned surface with a damp cloth to achieve sparkling results.
9. Clean Wallpapered Walls With Rubbing Alcohol
Wallpaper can easily accumulate dust and grime, which can affect indoor air quality. So, it is good to remove dust before tackling smudges and grime. Instead of using vinegar or baking soda, you can spray rubbing alcohol to remove stains.
You can also dab a soft cloth in cornstarch and cold water to sparkle clean the wallpapered wall. This can kill lethal germs and bacteria on the surface as well.
10. Clean Wooden Walls using Vinegar and Essential Oils
Professionally-trained end of lease cleaning Sydney experts often clean wooden walls using the combination of vinegar and mineral oil. You can also add a few drops of lemon oil to cut grease and grime.
Dampen the cloth with ½ cup of mineral oil and ¼ cup vinegar solution. Squeeze out excess water and wipe down the walls. This will leave the surface shiny and impress your fussy landlord at the end of your tenancy.
Tips to Clean Walls Like a Pro
Wrapping up
Cleaning different types of walls requires proper knowledge, the right supplies, and the correct techniques. Follow these tips and spruce up your walls like a pro. Make sure you regularly wipe down your walls to maintain a healthy living environment.