Best Ways to Remove Stains From Your Walls Before Interior Painting

Tackling stains on walls before painting can feel overwhelming. Left untreated, these marks can ruin your paint job, causing uneven coverage or stains bleeding through.

The good news? There are easy solutions! Whether it’s greasy fingerprints or crayon marks, stubborn grime doesn’t have to stop you from achieving that smooth, professional finish.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the best ways to remove stains from walls using everyday products, so you can start your painting project on the right foot and enjoy flawless results. Let’s get those walls prepped and ready for paint!

Wow nycPainters can help make your next interior painting job seamless by ensuring your walls are professionally prepped, including the removal of any stains, delivering a flawless and long-lasting finish.

Assess the Type of Wall

Before we get into the methods, it’s important to know what kind of wall you’re dealing with. Are your walls painted with a flat, matte finish or do they have a glossy sheen? If you’re unsure, run your hand over the wall. Matte finishes tend to be more porous and absorb stains, making them trickier to clean, while glossy surfaces are smoother and easier to wipe down.

Start with Mild Soap and Water

One of the best ways to remove stains from walls is to start simple. Grab a sponge, a bucket of warm water, and a few drops of dish soap. Dawn, for example, works wonders. It’s gentle enough to use on most wall finishes and tough enough to break down grime.

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Dip your sponge in the soapy water and wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping.
2. Gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. Don’t press too hard—this helps avoid damaging the paint.
3. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then let the wall air dry.

This method works well for light stains like smudges from fingers, food splatters, and light scuffs. If you notice that the stain is still there after this, don’t panic. We’ve got more tricks up our sleeve.

Use Baking Soda for Tougher Stains

Sometimes, soap and water just don’t cut it, especially for tougher stains on walls like crayon marks, greasy fingerprints, or coffee splashes. In these cases, baking soda is your new best friend.

Here’s how:

1. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a bit of water. You want it thick enough to stay on your sponge.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain and scrub gently.
3. Wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.

Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it’s great for scrubbing without damaging your wall’s paint. This method can handle more stubborn stains without much effort.

Vinegar for Grease and Smoke Stains

If you’re dealing with greasy stains from cooking or smoke from candles or a fireplace, white vinegar is the way to go. Vinegar is a powerhouse for cutting through grease, and it’s natural, so you don’t have to worry about using harsh chemicals.

Here’s what to do:

1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution directly onto the stain and let it sit for a minute or two.
3. Wipe the area with a clean cloth.

This method works wonders for greasy kitchen walls and smoke stains, leaving them fresh and clean. It’s one of my go-to solutions when dealing with harder-to-remove marks.

Magic Erasers for Toughest Stains

When all else fails, it’s time to bring in the big guns. Enter the Magic Eraser, one of the best ways to remove stains from walls. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers can tackle everything from marker scribbles to scuff marks and even grime that has built up over time.

Using it is simple:

1. Wet the Magic Eraser with water and squeeze out the excess.
2. Gently scrub the stained area.

Magic Erasers are abrasive, so be cautious when using them on walls with a matte or flat finish, as they can rub off the paint. However, they’re perfect for glossy or semi-glossy walls.

Commercial Cleaners

If you’ve tried everything and that stubborn stain just won’t budge, you might need to turn to a commercial cleaner. Products like Krud Kutter or Zep Wall Cleaner are designed specifically for stains on walls and can be real lifesavers for cleaning up without damaging the paint. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results.

Bonus Tips for Preventing Stains

Now that your walls are looking fresh and clean, here are a few tips to keep them that way:

• Use a touch-up kit: Keep a small container of your wall paint on hand. After cleaning, if you notice any areas where the paint is worn down, a quick touch-up will have your walls looking as good as new.
• Wipe up spills immediately: The quicker you tackle a stain, the easier it will be to remove. For liquids like coffee or wine, blot the area gently with a cloth before it soaks in.
• Install splash guards: In kitchens and bathrooms, splash guards or washable wallpapers are great ways to protect your walls from future stains.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—the best ways to remove stains from walls using products you already have at home or easy-to-find commercial cleaners.

Whether you’re dealing with smudges, grease, or more stubborn marks, these techniques will leave your walls looking spotless and ready for that fresh coat of paint.

By taking care of the stains beforehand, you’ll ensure your interior painting project goes smoothly, with the end result being a professional-looking finish that enhances the beauty of your home.

Give these methods a try, and you’ll see how easy it is to keep your walls clean and stain-free, ensuring your paint job lasts for years to come!