Radiators, baseboards, VMC, door and window frames… There are plenty of places in the house that we forget to clean. And if there is one area in particular in the house that is constantly overlooked when cleaning, it’s the walls! At the same time, it must be said that, like window cleaning, it is one of the most laborious tasks. And yet, everyday dirt and stains (fingerprints, grease stains, etc.) like dust, a wall can quickly become dirty. However, we do not always know how to clean and remove a wall. Here is everything you need to know about this too often neglected household task.
Why is it important to clean your walls?
In living rooms such as bedrooms or living rooms, walls can be nests for microbes and dustwhich is far from healthy. When it comes to the bathroom or kitchen, cleaning is particularly important, because the humidity there is a delight for mold. Ultimately, washing walls also helps you preserve your health. This prevents pathogenic micro-organisms from settling in, which could lead to asthma attacks and irritation of your skin and respiratory tract. There is also an aesthetic factor. Dust mites are mixed with dirt which dull the shine of the piece over time. And if you are a smoker, you may also notice that the walls tend to yellow and retain bad odors.
So many good reasons to clean your walls at least twice a year!
How to clean effectively?
Some tips:
-If possible, move furniture to the center of the room and take down frames and decorations. You will thus avoid having to deal with a whole section of inaccessible wall and you will be able to give a clean sweep behind and under the furniture.
-For most walls you can use a telescopic broom covered with a microfiber cloth soaked in the appropriate cleaning product. You will be able to reach everything without bending down, getting tired or balancing on a stepladder.
–Always proceed from top to bottom to avoid leaks. This way, you will avoid putting dirt back into areas that have already been cleaned.
-Once you’ve done the bulk, move on to the switches, electrical outlets and doorframes.
How to clean painted walls
For painted walls, a soapy water (black soap, Marseille soap or dishwashing liquid) will be more than enough to spray away the traces! For stubborn stains, a few drops of white vinegar on a cloth will do the trick on interior facades. Above all, rub gently! You can also make a leaching with soda crystals diluted in hot water. This is very effective on a white or colored wall if you want to give it a good clean before repainting.
How to clean tiled walls
For kitchen or bathroom tiling, you will need to clean more regularly to eliminate humidity and therefore prevent the appearance of mold that could permanently dirty the walls. We also recommend cleaning with soapy water here as a first step. Then secondly, use lemon juice or baking soda to sanitize the area and avoid mushrooms. No need for bleach! Go through the joints well with a suitable brush (or an old toothbrush!). If they are very dirty, you will surely find a grandmother’s tip in our dedicated article. For dirtier tiled walls, the hot water-soda crystal mixture also works miracles.
How to clean wallpaper without damaging it
Here, two scenarios: either the wallpaper is washable or it is not. In the first case, simple soapy water can be used. In the second, you will have to be cunning! Rub the stains with bread crumbs, a simple eraser or a potato cut in half. You can also absorb a stain with talc or Sommières earth. Apply these eco-friendly natural products to the stain, leave to act then gently scrub away the residue. Never use a wet cloth on a non-washable wall.