Cleaning a wall is not a daily task, and can often get forgotten amongst all the other tasks on your house cleaning checklist. Therefore, it’s not surprising that you might be wondering how to clean walls properly?
Well, we’ve got you covered. Follow our guide for a perfect result!
Why clean a wall?
Several scenarios can lead you to want to wash your walls:
- wash a wall before painting
- cleaning a wall before renovation work
- wash a dirty wall without damaging the paint
Whatever your reason, you don’t need to be an expert to get rid of stains or remove fingerprints from your walls. Cleaning a wall is within everyone’s reach if you have the right products and the right tools.
What products should I use to wash a wall?
To successfully wash your wall, it is important to use the right products. Depending on the type of covering on your wall (wallpaper, all types of paint, paneling, tiling, etc.), the material required may vary. Here is the list of tools needed to wash a painted wall:
- a large sponge, preferably new
- a bucket containing a few liters of clear, lukewarm water
- degreasing detergent (for example Saint Marc with pine resin) or soda crystals
- a stepladder
Pro-tip for those looking for more natural cleaning products: potatoes are an excellent ally for getting rid of grease stains, mold, and fingerprints. For an ecological household, you can also use white vinegar, which is both practical and economical.
All these products are easily found in shops and at low prices, so the cost of washing a wall is not very high. This is one of the necessary steps for a complete cleaning.
Wall washing techniques
Preparing the wall to be washed
The preparation is identical for washing a ceiling and a wall.
- Remove all wall decoration and move furniture that may get in the way
- Protect the floor with a plastic sheet to prevent drips
- Protect yourself by adopting appropriate clothing: comfortable and dirty clothes, gloves, and protective glasses (recommended when using corrosive products)
Best methods for cleaning a wall
For the best way to clean a wall, it is advisable to start by cleaning the bottom of the wall and go up to the top, this helps to avoid traces of drips.
How to clean a wall in 5 steps:
- Prepare a bucket with the mixture of clean water and detergent
- Soak the sponge with the mixture and rub in circular motions
- Wash portion by portion and repeat the operation according to the desired result
- Rinse the wall to remove the detergent
- Let the wall dry for at least 6 hours
Clean a wall before painting
In the context of painting or renovation work, the craftsman you have chosen can take care of the washing of the walls and add it to your estimate.
How to clean a mouldy wall
In the instance of mold in your house or on your walls, it must be cleaned immediately to avoid any serious health complications to long term exposure. Use a disinfecting product like bleach or vinegar to clean the mold and dry the wall thoroughly. In the case of mold, it is always best to have a professional come to evaluate, as the problem might be worse than what you can see.
