How to Clean Walls

Maintaining a clean and inviting living space goes beyond just sweeping floors and dusting surfaces. Often overlooked, the walls in our homes play a crucial role in creating a fresh and appealing atmosphere. In this guide, we'll delve into the importance of regularly cleaning walls and explore how to clean walls to achieve spotless surfaces. 

Equipment you’ll need when cleaning walls

When it comes to wall cleaning, having the right equipment is essential to ensure effective and efficient results. Here’s a list of items you may need for cleaning walls: 

• Mild detergent — Choose a gentle detergent to effectively remove dirt and grime without harming the walls.
• White vinegar — A powerful and natural option for tackling stubborn stains or grease spots on walls.
• Warm water — Mix with the mild detergent to create a soapy cleaning solution in a bucket.
• Soft cloths — Use microfibre cloths or soft T-shirts to avoid scratching or damaging the wall surface during cleaning.
• Bucket — Essential for mixing and carrying your cleaning solution as you work through the walls.
• Magic eraser — Specifically useful for scuff marks, these sponges can remove marks without damaging the paint. Test in a small area first to ensure compatibility.
• Pressure washer — For wall cleaning outdoors and tackling tough stains if necessary. 

What to do before wall cleaning

Before cleaning any walls in your home, it's wise to prep your space for optimal efficiency and results. Start by clearing the area of any furniture or items mounted on the walls. To safeguard your floors from potential mess, consider laying down drop cloths or repurposing old sheets. These protective layers act as a barrier, catching any drips or splatters that may occur during the cleaning process. 

How to clean walls that are painted or covered in wallpaper

Cleaning painted or wallpapered walls is a straightforward process that can help refresh the appearance of your living space: 

1. Start by mixing a gentle cleaning solution. Add a few drops of mild dish soap or a small amount of white vinegar to warm water. This combination is effective yet gentle enough to avoid damaging the paint. Before you begin wall cleaning, test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous section of the wall to ensure that it doesn't cause any damage or discolouration.
2. Use a soft duster or a dry microfibre cloth to gently remove any loose dust or cobwebs from the walls. This helps prevent dirt from spreading and scratching the paint when cleaning walls.
3. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution, wring out excess water, and gently wipe the walls. Be cautious not to oversaturate the walls, as excessive moisture can damage the surface and drywall.
4. Focus on areas that receive more contact, such as light switches and door frames. These areas tend to accumulate more dirt and handprints.
5. After one round of wall cleaning, rinse your sponge or cloth with clean water and go over the walls again to remove any soap residue. Alternatively, you can use a clean, damp cloth for this step.
6. Lastly, allow the walls to air-dry or use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to gently pat them dry. Ensure that the walls are completely dry before moving furniture back into place. 

The best way to clean walls outdoors 

The method to cleaning walls that are outdoors depends on the type of material the walls are made of. Here are general tips for cleaning common outdoor wall materials:

How to clean walls made from brick or stone

1. Mix a solution of water and mild detergent when cleaning walls made from brick or stone.
2. Use a stiff brush to scrub the surface, paying attention to any stained or dirty areas.
3. For tougher stains, you can add vinegar to the cleaning solution.
4. Rinse with a hose or pressure washer.

How to clean walls made of stucco

1. Gently scrub the surface with a soft brush or sponge using a mixture of mild detergent and water.
2. Avoid using a pressure washer on stucco, as it can damage the surface.
3. Rinse thoroughly with a hose.

Cleaning walls made of wood 

1. Scrub the wood with a solution of mild detergent and water.
2. For mould or mildew, you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar.
3. Rinse with a hose, and avoid using high-pressure settings to prevent damage to the wood.

Wall cleaning with a pressure washer 

1. For tougher stains or large areas, you can use a pressure washer when wall cleaning.
2. Adjust the pressure settings to a level appropriate for the material to avoid damage.
3. Follow manufacturer guidelines for safe and effective use.

How to clean walls if you have stubborn spots or stains

Spot-cleaning stains from walls can be done with a targeted approach. Here's a general guide for spot-cleaning different types of stains:

Grease or oil stains

1. Blot excess grease or oil with a paper towel or clean cloth.
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to absorb the grease before cleaning walls.
3. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then brush or vacuum away the powder.
4. Dampen a clean cloth with a mixture of mild dish soap and water, then gently blot the stain.
5. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry the area.

Mould or mildew 

1. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
2. Apply the solution to the mould or mildew stain with a sponge or cloth.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before wall cleaning.
4. Scrub the area with a soft brush or sponge.
5. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

Crayon or marker stains

1. Dampen a clean cloth with a small amount of dish soap and water.
2. Gently rub the stain in a circular motion.
3. For crayon marks, you can also use a hairdryer to soften the wax and then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
4. Rinse the area with a damp cloth and dry.

Shop our range of wall cleaning tools from Kleva Range 

Ultimately, learning how to clean walls properly not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces but also contributes to a healthier and more comfortable environment. For targeted stain removal and spot-cleaning, it's crucial to have the right tools and supplies on hand. Explore Kleva Range’s curated selection of wall cleaning essentials, including the revolutionary Magnetic Duster for hard-to-reach areas, premium cleaning cloths for a streak-free finish and convenient cleaner wipes for quick touch-ups. If you have any questions about our products or need help with your order, feel free to contact our team!