The best maintained and cleanest homes can have blemishes on different surfaces including walls. Regardless of how keen you are on small details, scuff marks and stains on walls may occur without your consent. Getting rid of these blemishes requires a gentle solution that does not cause any damage to your wall surfaces. Professional cleaners have their way of making these spots clean but if you will be taking on the task by yourself, then you need to know the safest ways to deal with stains and scuffs on walls. This article provides a guide on how you can clean walls to get rid of scuffs and stains.
Removing Scuffs and Stains On Painted Walls
- Use a Damp, Soft Cloth
Before you try any other cleaning solution, it is always a good idea to clean with water. This method works best on fresh scuffs that only require rubbing the mark with a slightly damp cloth.
Apply a bit of pressure to get rid of the stain. You can then use a dry cloth to buff the area once it is clear. Try your best to avoid damaging paint and use a white cloth to prevent any form of discoloration.
- Pencil Eraser
You can spot clean your wall using a clean pencil eraser. It is one of the best alternatives to get rid of scuff marks if you do not want to make your wall wet. Gently rub the pencil eraser back and forth over the stain until it gets clean. Keep in mind that some scuffs or stains may require a lot of rubbing but still gets the job done without using water. Buff the area with a dry paper towel to make it spotlessly clean.
- Treat with Dishwashing Liquid
If the mark does not budge, try a solution of dishwashing liquid with warm water. Damp a soft cloth in this solution and scrub the mark once more. If you manage to get rid of the scuffs but they still look visible from an angle, sprinkle a little baking soda on the cloth and get back to it again. Once the mark is clear, rinse the cloth in plain water and wipe the spot before buffing it with a dry cloth.
- Melamine Sponge
The melamine sponge cleaning technique is often used as the last resort. First, dampen the sponge and squeeze out the water. Use gentle, steady pressure to scrub the mark until it clears out. It is important to be careful when using a melamine sponge to avoid losing a significant amount of paint in the process. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the area once the scuffs or stains are gone.
Removing Scuffs and Stains on Wallpapers
The assorted textured and bright colors on papered walls can be challenging to clean, especially when water and sponge are involved. Fingerprints, smudge deposits, and smears are some of the blemishes that may occur on wallpapers. Taking precautions helps protect your investment and keep your wall surfaces looking neat and clean. The first thing you need to do is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to clean your wallpaper. Wallpapers vary in both texture content and coating and thus manufacturers may offer different cleaning methods based on the specific design.
If you have washable wallpaper, consider using a natural sponge with dishwashing liquid detergent and warm water. An art gum eraser may come in handy when you come across smudges on the walls. Apply gentle pressure when using this type of eraser to avoid damaging the area. Ballpoint-ink inscriptions can be removed using denatured alcohol and a clean paper towel. Since crayon marks are a little waxy, a prewash spray or dry-cleaning solvent can still do the job. The rule of thumb is to test a small area first so that you do not ruin the paper.
How to Touch Up Walls after Cleaning Scuffs and Stains
Once you have cleaned scuff marks or stains on a particular spot, it is important to touch up the surrounding wall to make it uniform. If the scuffed area has a different texture from its surroundings, sand the affected section with fine-grit sandpaper until smooth. Remove any dust from sanding using a damp cloth. You can also prepare some touch-up paint based on the manufacturer’s guidelines or hire a specialist to create the best match. It is important to allow some time for the paint to dry completely.
Spot cleaning your walls to remove scuffs and stains can create a significant improvement in terms of aesthetic appearances. It is important to touch up your walls after getting rid of the scuff marks to create uniformity on all interior surfaces. Whatever cleaning method you choose, it is always important to consider the extent of damage you may incur during the process.