It is of course important to regularly sweep the floors and wipe the surfaces to create a clean and spacious living space. However, there is a detail that is often overlooked or neglected: wall cleaning. Dust particles do not only accumulate on furniture, but also form invisible layers on the walls of the house over time. Moreover, as this dust moves, it mixes with the air and settles back on the floor, and the cleaning done loses its effect in a short time. Therefore, it is very important to wipe the walls every 3 to 6 months in terms of sustainability of hygiene.
What to Clean the Wall with?
The products and materials used when cleaning wall surfaces are of great importance in terms of the efficiency of the application. The materials to be used may also vary depending on the type of wall coating.
1. Dust the wall: Before starting to clean, remove the dust and spider webs on the walls with a clean microfiber cloth, a dry cloth that does not hold lint, or the brush head of a vacuum cleaner. This step prevents the dirt from spreading during wet cleaning.
2. Determine the wall type: Your wall may have water-based paint, oil paint, wallpaper, or decorative coating. Each surface requires a different cleaning approach. For example, water-based paints are sensitive to excessive scrubbing.
3. Prepare a mixture of warm water and soap: For general cleaning, you can add a few drops of dishwashing detergent or vinegar as a natural cleaner to warm water. Avoiding harsh chemicals protects the paint of the wall.
4. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge: Dip the cloth in the mixture you have prepared, then squeeze out the excess water to make it damp. Wipe the wall from top to bottom. This way, water currents won’t damage the clean areas underneath.
5. If there are stains, rub gently: For dried stains, you can apply a natural paste made from a mixture of baking soda and water to the stained area and gently wipe it. Avoid using an abrasive sponge or brush.
6. Rinse with clean water: Walls wiped with soapy water should then be wiped again with a clean, damp cloth and rinsed. This step prevents soap residue.
7. Dry the wall: After cleaning, you can go over the wall with a dry, cotton cloth to dry it faster and prevent water marks.
8. Get into the habit of regular cleaning: Wiping your walls at regular intervals prevents stains from becoming permanent and keeps your home looking clean at all times.
What to Put in Wall Cleaning Water?
For those who want to clean walls at home with natural methods, the substances to be added to the cleaning water are very important.
- Dish Soap: When a few drops of dish soap are added to a bucket of warm water, light dirt and oil stains can be easily removed. It is especially effective on kitchen walls.
- Vinegar: White vinegar, a natural disinfectant, provides hygiene and eliminates bad odors when mixed with water. You can add half a tea glass of vinegar to 1 liter of water. It is especially suitable for use on kitchen and bathroom walls.
- Baking Soda: Effective in removing stains, baking soda acts as a gentle cleaner when added to wall cleaning water. 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 liter of water is sufficient. For more stubborn stains, you can turn the baking soda into a paste and apply it directly to the stain.
- Dish Soap: Dish soap, a natural and versatile cleaner, is also suitable for walls. When a few tablespoons of Dish Soap are added to warm water, an effective cleaning water is obtained.
- Lavender Oil or Lemon Oil (optional): A few drops of essential oil can be added to the mixture, both for its pleasant scent and antibacterial properties. However, it is recommended to test on an inconspicuous part of the wall.
- Ammonia (Used with Care): Ammonia, an effective solvent for oil-painted walls, should only be used in well-ventilated areas and with gloves. Adding 1 tablespoon of ammonia to 1 liter of water is sufficient. This method is not suitable for wallpapers and water-based paints.
What are the Tips for Wiping Walls?
The most important tip for wiping walls is to use products and equipment suitable for the structure of the wall. In addition, the moisture content of the cloth is a very critical detail. While a dried cloth cannot remove stains well, an overly wet cloth can damage the wall. The temperature of the water should be lukewarm and very hot water should be avoided. It is also recommended to test an area before wiping. This test can help determine whether the cleaning solution will damage the paint or coating.
How to Wipe Walls with Dish Soap?
Dish soap, a natural and harmless cleaning product, is a frequently preferred material in home cleaning. For wall wiping with Dish soap, it is enough to add a few tablespoons of Dish soap to a bucket of warm water. This mixture should be applied with a microfiber cloth and there is no need to rinse afterwards. Dish soap both removes dirt and leaves a pleasant scent. It is especially ideal for plaster or painted walls.
What to Consider When Choosing a Wall Cleaner?
Walls, one of the most neglected areas in home cleaning, can become dirty with dust, soot, handprints and various stains over time. However, not every cleaning product may be suitable for the wall surface. Incorrectly selected products can fade the paint, leave residue on the surface or damage the wallpapers. Therefore, there are some important points to consider when choosing a wall cleaner.
1. Compatibility with the Surface Material of the Wall: Not every wall type can tolerate the same cleaning product.
- Light and chemical-free cleaners should be preferred for water-based paints.
- Oil-painted surfaces are more durable, so slightly stronger cleaning products can be used.
- For wallpapers, products that are definitely non-abrasive and do not retain too much moisture should be used.
2. Does not contain abrasive substances: If the cleaner contains abrasive substances such as heavy chemicals, bleach or ammonia, stains, fading or peeling may occur on the wall surface. Such products should be avoided especially on colored painted walls.
3. pH Value Should Be Balanced: The pH value of the cleaning product should not be too high or too low. Products with a pH neutral of around 7 provide effective cleaning and do not damage the surface.
4. Odor and Allergen Content: Some cleaning products may have strong odors or may contain substances that may cause allergic reactions. Especially in homes with children or individuals with sensitive skin, products without perfume or with natural content should be preferred.
5. Easy to Rinse: It is important that the product used in wall cleaning does not leave residue on the surface. Products that are difficult to rinse may cause dullness or stickiness on the wall over time.
6. Eco-Friendly and Natural Content Preference: Eco-friendly, biodegradable and plant-based cleaning products have become quite popular in recent years. Such products do not harm nature and provide a healthy environment at home.
7. Ease of Application: Spray-form products provide practicality as they can be applied directly to the surface. However, the application of foam or gel-form products may take a little longer. You should make your choice according to your personal needs.
What are the Easy Wall Wiping Methods?
One of the most practical things to do for easy wall wiping is to use the right tools and long-handled equipment during cleaning. In this way, it becomes easier to reach high places and saves time. Microfiber mops or telescopic-handled cloth holders reduce the workload. Another method that makes cleaning easier is dusting at regular intervals. In this way, dirt is prevented from layering.
Does Brushing Wall Wiping Work?
Some wall types, especially rough or patterned ones, may not be sufficiently cleaned with a cloth. In these cases, brushing the wall with a brush gives more effective results. However, the structure of the brush must be soft. Hard-bristled brushes can scratch painted or coated surfaces. Brush cleaning method is generally preferred in areas such as bathrooms.
How to Clean Bathroom Walls?
Since bathrooms are humid, soap residues, water stains and mold formation are common. While a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used for tile spaces, natural soapy water is ideal for large surfaces. After cleaning, rinsing must be done and the environment must be ventilated.
To create a clean and healthy living space, wall cleaning is one of the details that should not be neglected. With the right material, appropriate technique and regular maintenance, it is possible to easily get rid of dust, stains and residue accumulated on the walls. In this process, cleaning by taking into account wall cleaning tricks will not only have positive results in terms of aesthetics but also hygiene.
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