Cleaning your walls - it isn’t something that we think about all that regularly, but it is something we need to do. Whether you have kids in your home that tend to splash juice all over the walls (or worse) or you just want to ensure that your walls stay in pristine condition, you need to clean them. Unfortunately, we know that people make mistakes when cleaning as well. They will use cleaners that are too abrasive and do damage to the paneling, or they will use something that just gets the paneling wet and doesn’t do much to actually clean them.
But we have good news! There is a way to efficiently clean your walls without taking up too much of your time, doing damage, or causing a foul smell in your home. So, let’s explore how to clean your walls safely and effectively when you decide to spring for some spring cleaning!
Efficient Wall Cleaner for Textured Paneling
Cleaning textured walls can be hard! We see a lot of damaged walls because people think that they can be rougher and use more abrasive materials. If you want to preserve the beautiful finishing of natural wood walling, for example, you need to be careful.
In order to maintain the beautiful finish of the walls, you need to first use your vacuum to get any and all dust and debris off the walls. This will help to prevent any smearing of dust and make it easier to clean. Textured walls tend to hold dust, animal fur, and more.
Next, get two buckets and fill one with clean water. The other should have a mild detergent that is safe for the walling material in it. Use only a little bit and test an inconspicuous spot on your wall to ensure it doesn’t stain or strip the wall.
The most efficient wall cleaner for textured paneling is actually either an old t-shirt or old socks. Why? They aren’t likely to get caught on the texture and shred like a sponge might. You will also be able to manipulate the material to get into hard-to-reach spaces. If you can’t, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use consistent, easy strokes from the bottom up to prevent any streaking. Be gentle, or you could break off pieces of the wall. Then, use the clean water to rinse the textured walls.
Efficient Wall Cleaner for Smooth Paneling
If you have smooth paneling, you will have an easier time keeping them clean, although they tend to show dirt much easier. Smooth panel walls can usually be cleaned using water and a rag or sponge; just make sure that there isn’t any color bleed from the cloth.
If plain water doesn’t work or you have walls that have years of grime (or a really tough stain), you may be able to use vinegar to get the stain off. It doesn’t smell all that great, but vinegar is a great cleanser. If vinegar doesn’t do the trick, you may be able to use a cleaning sponge to spot treat and then use water on the rest of the walls.
For stains that are tougher, you can use a detergent to spot clean; just be sure to use the minimal amount of cleanser.
Of course, even with flat paneling, you want first to spot check and ensure that your cleaning materials don’t cause damage - even water! The best thing you can do, especially if you have walls that just hold onto stains, is to treat them as soon as you see the issue. This will help to clean the spot much more easily and ensure that you don’t have different colors on your walls when you do clean.
Efficient Wall Cleaner for Brushed Paneling
Brushed paneling is extremely popular, and it is one of the most challenging walls to clean because it is a mixture of textured and flat. Your best bet is to combine methods and use a vacuum attachment to first go over the walls to remove anything that may have settled into the cracks and texture. Then, use a t-shirt or old socks with water and maybe a bit of detergent.
You have to play it by ear with this type of wall and see what works best for your home. If you don’t have a lot of dirt, dust, and messy fingerprints, you may just be able to get away with the vacuuming. If you do have little hands touching the walls, you will have to get deeper into cleaning.
Some Final Tips for Efficient Wall Cleaning
When you are trying to clean your walls, it can be frustrating, and you might want to give up halfway through, but don’t! You can do this! Giving up results in walls that are two different colors, which will look worse than not cleaning them at all. But help is on the way! Here are some tips to make your wall cleaning efforts a little easier:
● Try to clean in a well-lit room
● Give yourself a few hours
● Move furniture away before starting
● Be sure to know what type of finishing your wall has
● Spot test everything
● Try a tried and true cleaning product for fast results
● If you are getting your walls redone, ask for a sample cut of the paneling to spot check
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning your walls doesn’t have to be a headache or an annoying task to put off until the walls are so dirty you are embarrassed to invite company over. There is some simple maintenance that you can do regularly to ensure that your walls stay looking great. If your walls need a deep clean, be sure to spot test and go slowly to ensure you don’t do any damage. In the end, beautifully clean walls are sure to make your home sparkle!
Sources:
How to Clean Textured Walls | Hunker
How to Clean Flat Paint Walls - Practically Spotless | Molly Maid
