How TO Clean
WALLS
It’s not only the visible splatters and smudges that dirty up our walls. Turns out dust (and dander) sticks to vertical as well as horizontal surfaces; grease can also build up in a kitchen. Remember to include walls in your regular cleaning regimen to keep them looking their best.
first things first
When cleaning painted walls, you’ll want to use only gentle products (mild dishwashing liquid works wonders) to avoid damaging the finish. It’s especially important to avoid ammonia and other harsh chemicals, and even white vinegar (a major no-no with paint). Never use steel wool or other scouring pads, either; soft sponges and cloths only, please.
1. to remove Dust
Thoroughly go over walls once a month—more often if you have pets or people with allergies in the home. The bristle-brush extension of your vacuum cleaner does the job quickly, or use a lamb’s-wool duster, which contains natural oils that help attract and hold the dust. Start with the ceiling (grab a ladder), then work your way down.
2. to erase Crayon Marks
If you have little ones around, you may want to stock up on melamine-foam sponges (such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser). These foam pads gently sand away scribbles and scrawls. Be sure to use light pressure to avoid erasing the paint, too.
3. to tackle dirt and grime
Eradicate everyday dirt by wiping down walls at least twice a year with warm, sudsy water and a soft sponge. As always, start at the top and work in sections; rinse with a damp sponge and dry with a soft cloth as you work your way down. First test for streaks in an out-of-the-way spot, especially if the paint finish is flat or matte (see page 88).
4. to wipe away splatters and stains
The key is to act fast, cleaning up food splatters, fingerprint smudges, and other tough spots when they happen. Never scrub walls with an abrasive cleaner or scouring pad, lest you scrape right through the paint. Instead, use baby wipes, which are gentle on paint but more powerful than dishwashing detergent.
5. to go after Grease
If you have a washable paint finish (such as glossy or eggshell; see page 88), use a solvent-free degreasing spray. Wipe other surfaces with a dry cleaning sponge; just slice off the top layer with a sharp knife when it gets dirty, to expose the unused portion.