Remove Stains From Walls Before You Paint

Painting instructions often warn: Remove stains from walls before painting. But they never say how. 

Any cleaning rookie can wipe off dust and cobwebs. But it takes a cleaning pro to scour grease stains, watermarks,

and kids’ crayon and ink wall art.

Dirt and Grime

Dirt and grime are part of everyday life. The oil from your hands gets onto walls, cabinets, doors, and door frames.

A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ($3 for 4 pads) easily cuts through these stains. Wet the  sponge and rub gently to avoid

taking bits of paint off with the stain

Or try this: Mix 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white distilled or apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup baking soda with one

gallon of warm water. Wipe the solution over walls with a sponge or cloth, and rinse with clear water. The solution

won’t dull the painted finish or leave streaks.

Grease

Grease is an occupational hazard of cooking; it covers cabinets and walls and attracts dirt and dust. Any good dish

soap can remove grease stains on walls. For small stains on walls. For small stains, mix 1/4 teaspoon of soap in a

cup of warm water , and wipe. Rinse with clean water, and blot until dry. Clean stubborn grease stains with

solution of 1/3 cup of white household vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.

Crayons

Wall erasers work like a charm on crayon marks. If they don’t do the trick:

• Rub marks with toothpaste (not gel).
• Erase marks with an art gum or a pencil eraser; use a circular motion.
• Swipe marks with baby wipes.
• Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub marks.