Stain Removal for Your Walls & Ceilings 

Stains on walls and ceilings are a pesky problem in the world of interior design and painting. Fortunately, many stains are easily removed using some of the techniques we will discuss today. Unfortunately, some stains are indicators of a larger problem such as a leaky roof or a serious mold problem and will need to be attended to by professionals who can not only remedy the situation but ensure that your home is safe and inhabitable. 

Let’s focus today on stains that are fairly common in homes such as grime, grease, crayons, scuffs, watermarks, or oils. These can be treated by the homeowners and are simple fixes to eyesores that may be making your home’s walls look less aesthetically pleasing. 

Cleaning Tools 

In order to clean your walls and ceilings (preferably at regular intervals) to allow the true color of the paint to shine through, it’s important to have the right cleaning tools and solutions. 

We suggest collecting a few items to help you clean…

• Two buckets of warm water
• Cleaning solvent
• Vinegar
• Sponges of varying size and texture 
• Brillo pads 
• Baking Soda

The important thing to remember is that you choose cleaning detergents that will remove the stain without damaging the paint itself. Read labels when buying cleaners to be sure that there are no warnings. Many homeowners have found that magic eraser sponges remove the sheen of their paint, so be aware of that as well, especially if you have used a low gloss paint that may be wiped away in the cleaning process. 

Grease Stains 

These types of stains are most commonly found in the kitchen and occur close to the appliances that give off oils and grease from cooking. 

Start by wiping as much of the grease off the wall as possible without spreading the stain further. Then lather up your cloth or sponge with either vinegar or a dishwashing detergent (Dawn works wonders on grease). You may need to go back to the spot several times allowing for drying in between before all of the grease is removed. 

Water Stains 

If you find water stains on your walls or ceiling, your first course of action should be to hire a professional to find the cause of the problem. It may be a simple leak or rainstorm that caused the water stain. 

Once you have identified and rectified the stain cause, you will want to take care of the stain itself. If the walls are not in need of repair you have a couple of options. You can use a bleach/water combo to spray the area and allow the stain to bleach itself out or you could use a stain-reducing primer to repaint the area and then apply a final coat of the original wall color to solve the problem. 

Crayon and Pen Marks 

If your young children have opted to use your walls as a canvas for their latest masterpiece, you’ll want to find a used toothbrush that can be thrown away after this process and some white vinegar. Mix a small amount of vinegar and water and start to scrub the crayon marks away. You may need to use a brillo pad if the area is large or has dark crayons on it. Scrub in small circles and slowly you will find the crayon will eventually rub off. 

Similar to crayon marks, pen marks are fairly easy to remove if you use the right solution. Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and water and rub the area until the pen mark or ink is removed. You will need to wait a while for the area to dry before putting furniture back or artwork back on the walls. 

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