How to Clean House Walls: Expert Tips & Tricks

Cleaning house walls is a task often overlooked until you spot a stain, smudges or notice a thin layer of dust on them. The best way to clean house walls involves a systematic approach with the right tools and cleaning solutions. Here, we'll dive deep into expert tips and tricks to make your walls shine and remain spotless for a longer period.

Why Cleaning Walls is Important

Before we dive into the techniques, let's understand why this is crucial.

• Dirt and Dust Accumulation: Over time, walls accumulate dust and dirt, especially at the top, near ceilings, or behind furniture.
• Spills and Splatters: Kitchen walls, in particular, can become victims of splatters from food preparation.
• Fingerprints and Grime: If you have kids or high-traffic areas, fingerprints and grime can spoil the appearance of your walls.
• Stains and Spots: These can come from various sources – accidental spills, kids' art projects, or even rainwater seeping through windows.

Gathering the Right Tools & Solutions

To better clean the walls, it's important to have a basic understanding of tools and chemicals.

Essential tools to clean house walls: 

1. Vacuum with Brush Attachment: Use a drill brush to remove cobwebs, dust, and dirt from the walls and baseboards before wet cleaning.

2. Microfiber Cloth: An essential tool to wipe off dirt, stains and ensure streak-free cleaning.

3. Bucket: For mixing and holding your cleaning solution.

4. Sponge: Ideal for addressing spills, splatters, and bigger smudges.

5. Soft Brush: Helps in scrubbing away stubborn stains without damaging the paint or wallpaper finish.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions for house walls:

1. Dish Soap & Water: A basic mixture for most walls, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms, where grease builds up.
2. Vinegar & Water: Great for removing stains and spots, especially on latex paint finishes. 
3. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to tackle tough stains. It's gentle but effective.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean House Walls

1. Prepare the Area: Move furniture away from walls and lay towels or cloths on the floors to catch drips. Ensure windows are open for ventilation if using chemicals.
2. Start with Dry Cleaning:
1. Vacuum the walls from top to bottom using the brush attachment.
2. Pay special attention to corners, behind furniture, and baseboards.
3. Dust light switches, window sills, and other fixtures.
3. Wet Cleaning:
1. Choose the right cleaning solution based on the type of stain and wall finish.
2. Dampen your sponge or cloth in the solution and wring out excess water.
3. Clean the walls in sections, moving in gentle circular motions. For stubborn stains, apply slight pressure or use the baking soda paste.
4. Always work from top to bottom to prevent drips.
4. Address Stains and Spots Individually: For persistent spots, such as crayon marks or scuffs, a targeted approach might be necessary using a baking soda paste or a dedicated wall cleaner.
5. Rinse and Dry: Once you've finished cleaning, use a clean cloth dampened with just water to wipe away any soap or cleaning residue. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Tips for Different House Wall Finishes

Different wall finishes require specific care. Here are some pointers:

• Latex Paint: Handle with care. Too much water or scrubbing can cause the color to fade.
• Oil-Based Paint: Can handle more vigorous scrubbing and stronger cleaning products.
• Wallpaper: Always check the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. In general, avoid too much moisture and scrubbing.

Additional Expert Tips To Clean House Walls

• Always do a spot test with your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.
• Keep a regular cleaning schedule. It's easier to clean light dust and dirt than accumulated grime and stains.
• Teach kids the importance of wall care, as they are often the culprits of many wall spots and marks!

Conclusion

Now that you're armed with the best ways to clean house walls, it's time to rejuvenate your space. Remember, with the right tools, solutions, and methods; you can maintain pristine walls and increase the longevity of your paint or wallpaper finish. Happy cleaning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the purpose of the brush attachment on a vacuum to clean house walls? 

The brush attachment helps gently remove dirt and dust without scratching or damaging the wall surface. 

How can I prevent streaks when cleaning house walls? 

Using a microfiber cloth and ensuring you don't oversaturate the wall will help prevent streaks. 

Are commercial cleaners safe for wallpapered walls? 

Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for wallpaper cleaning, as some may not tolerate certain chemicals.