Having stained walls means your home would look untidy even if you have cleaned the entire house multiple times. Wall stains are so noticeable that people want to remove them as soon as possible. Hence, they desperately scroll through endless discussion boards online, asking, How can I remove stains from walls easily? There are tons of methods to clean the wall stains, but you have to choose the one that suits your wall’s condition.
How To Get Marks Off Walls? 5 Easy Wall Cleaning Methods You Need To Know
Wall stains can be caused by various factors, including seepage, grease, dust, and ink. Therefore, different methods are needed to clean them off the walls.
1. How To Remove Water Stains From Walls?
Water stains are the worst when they occur in buildings due to seepage. You can either hide them with paint or find the root issue and fix it first so the stains will not happen again.
After fixing the leakage, use any of the following methods to wipe the stains:
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar, apply it on the wall, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, grab a sponge or soft cloth and give it a gentle scrub. Easy fix!
- Make a baking soda paste (just water + baking soda), spread it on the stain, wait 30 seconds, and then wipe it away.
- Make some soapy water, dunk a cloth in, and gently rub that bad boy on the wall.
Always Remember!
Try out your cleaning mix on a small spot first to make sure it doesn’t mess up the paint.
2. How To Remove Soot Stains From Walls?
Soot stains are the black, powdery marks that you often find near stoves or fireplaces. They are the carbon particles that accumulate over time and damage the look of the wall.
Start by getting rid of the loose soot with a vacuum or a brush. Then, grab a dry cleaning sponge and wipe away any leftover soot. You can also use soap and water to gently remove the remaining tough stains. Then, grab some clean water and give those walls a good wipe-down.
3. How To Remove Cigarette Stains From Walls?
They don’t just look awful, but they stink too. To clean them off, ventilate the room first. Wear safety goggles and gloves, cover your hair, and start removing the loose debris. Mix dish soap, baking soda, and water to scrub the wall. For stubborn stains, you can use methylated spirits on a cloth.
4. How To Remove Oil Stains From Walls Without Removing Paint?
First things first, use a paper towel or cloth to blot the oil stain gently. Use a few drops of dish soap in a water and spray it on the affected area. Gently scrub it in circular motions, working from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it. This solution is effective for cutting through grease without harming the paint. You can also use distilled white vinegar spray or apply chalk if the marks are light.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the paint and wall texture.
5. How To Remove Crayon And Marker Stains From Walls?
These are the most prominent and—honestly—very annoying marks to see on the wall, especially on white walls. The best way to combat them is to use a magic eraser. This method is particularly effective on high-gloss finishes but should be used cautiously on flat paint.
Another way is to use Mayonnaise (specifically for crayons) or toothpaste and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then wipe off with a damp cloth. If there are some pencil colors, you can simply erase them with the regular eraser. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure while trying these tips; otherwise, it will damage the paint.
Clean Tough Stains From Different Types Of Walls
Walls made up of different materials like wood or brick require a little different cleaning methods.
- For Stain on Oil-Based Painted Walls: Use an all-purpose cleaner, soap, water, and a damp cloth gently.
- For Stain on Textured Walls: Use mild detergent mixed with warm water and wipe the stain with a soft microfiber cloth.
- For Stain on Wallpapers: Always use a small quantity of water with a dedicated commercial wallpaper cleaner.
- For Stain on Wood Walls: Try using baking soda, non-gel toothpaste, or even mix up some olive oil and vinegar.
Conclusion
Removing stains from walls is not that much of a hassle if you know the material and paint of your wall. The most common tip is to use soap, water, or vinegar to do the job. However, if the material is wood or it has oil paint, you have to use other hacks to remove the stains.