The interior walls of your mobile home can get dirty and sooty over time from home heating systems or dusty air units. If you have pets, kids or a smoker in the house, then the walls are bound to be in even worse condition. Meaning, that they’re going to need a good cleaning now and then. Here are a few tips and tricks for how to clean mobile home walls.
Why bother cleaning interior walls anyway?
Most people clean floors and the rest of the house on a regular basis but the walls usually get neglected. Walls are a large part of the house, and they bear the burdens of a lot of things in your home. Some of these things include smoke, smears, fingerprints, smudges, dust particles, etc. If your child aspires to be an artist, then your walls will likely suffer even more because they are bound to become your child’s next drawing canvas.
Cleaning your walls will make your mobile home smell and look great. And it only takes a few minutes to learn how to clean mobile home walls yourself.
Before you begin, there are several things you need to take note of. The most important thing you have to consider is the kind of wall you are dealing with and the paint used on it. Mobile home walls have different types of walls; it could be vinyl, drywall, wood, or even tile.
If the walls were painted with glossy or semi-glossy enamel then cleaning them will be a walk in the park. However, if they have eggshell latex paints or flat and satin then abrasively rubbing them will make them fade or rub off. But don’t worry. We’re going to cover how to clean mobile home walls of all types.
Easy to overlook, but dusting is the first thing you should do. Piles of dust can hang on the walls if you are not careful. Vacuum the walls with a vacuum cleaner extension wand and a bristle brush head. You can also use a broom to clean any cobwebs. Finish off with a long-handled duster or a cloth-covered mope to wipe any remaining dust off the walls.
As you dust, you’ll probably notice hand-smears, crayon marks, and random grime on your walls. Use one of the mixtures below to get rid of stains on your walls.
You can make an effective scrub with baking soda. Scrubs work well on kitchen walls where grime and grease can form layers. You can use baking soda safely on painted walls (oil-based or latex) or ceramic tile backsplashes. To make the solution, mix a tablespoon of water with one-fourth of baking soda and combine till you form a paste. Scrub the stains and wipe gently with a cloth. This solution is great for crayons and marker pens.
Turpentine is also very effective in removing stains. Mix some turpentine with salt in equal parts and apply on noticeable stains. Allow it to sit there for a few minutes then scrub using a brush if you have stubborn stains.
If you have extremely stubborn stains, then a stronger washing solution will come in handy. With 3.5 oz of washing soda and 4 quarts of water, you can wipe the wall with the solution, rinse off then pat dry to get a clean wall.
Toothpaste can clean your walls as well, and very effectively, if we might add. Trying this is especially helpful if you are dealing with crayon stains. Use non-gel toothpaste and a scrub brush or a rug and clean the stains. The toothpaste has fine abrasive, and it will do wonders with the stains.
A paste of cornstarch and talcum powder mixed with water can help clear up pesky stains. Just smear the paste on the stains and wait till it dries before wiping it off. Doing so will absorb the dirt and leave the wall looking clean without aggressive rubbing.
Now that you’ve removed dust and stains, it’s time to wash your walls so they look like new again. We recommend the cleaning solution below as it gets the job done without ruining your walls.
To wash, dip a sponge in the solution, wring it out and gently wash your walls. Then, rinse your sponge in warm water. Make sure you wring the sponge carefully each time. Excess water can ruin your walls. Finally, wipe the walls with a cloth and let it dry.
Clean your walls from the bottom going up. Yes, you read that right. You see, if you start from the top, drips will run down to the bottom of the walls and accumulate dirt. If you let it run off from the top down, it will be harder to clean the bottom. Yes, you will probably drip on the already clean part, but it will be a fresh drip that you can wipe quickly, not a dirty job.
If you have baseboards, make sure you clean those too. Here’s a guide to do it with a handy tip at the end to prevent further dust from accumulating.
White vinegar can be used to clean almost anything in a home. Vinegar is incredible when it comes to cleaning bathroom tiles, painted woodwork, and even your fixtures. It is also suitable for walls with latex or oil-based paint. With one-fourth or white vinegar mixed with a quart of warm water, you can clean your walls very well. Put the solution in a spray bottle to make it easy to spray on the stains.
The first thing to do when cleaning wallpaper is to check the manufactures guidelines. Different wallpapers have different coatings so the manufacturers’ advice will come in handy. Dust the walls very carefully. If you are dealing with non-coated wallpaper, then use a dry-sponge to clean it.
If you have a washable wallpaper you can use some warm water, dish soap and a sponge to clean. Be sure to test the solution first at an inconspicuous place on the paper to avoid sightly stains or bubbling. Use a clean cloth to absorb any moisture after washing. An art gum eraser can do a pretty good job at removing finger-marks and smudges. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on wallpaper because they are bound to scratch your wallpaper.
Learning how to clean mobile home walls isn’t hard!
Follow these simple steps to wash your mobile home walls. While you’re at it, save yourself money by using a homemade cleaner that your grandmother would be proud of. Your walls – and your home – will instantly look bright and fresh. If you need to wash your exterior walls, read our article on pressure washing your mobile home.
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