Having children in the house can mean dealing with walls full of scratches and unexpected stains. From pencil marks to food stains, keeping your walls clean can seem like a chore. However, with the right tips and tricks, you can keep your walls spotless without much effort. Here’s a complete guide on how to clean scratches and take care of your walls when you have kids at home.
– Identify the Type of Stain
Before you begin cleaning, it is important to identify the type of stain and the wall material. This will help you choose the most effective cleaning method without damaging the surface.
Common Stain Types:
- Pencil or crayon scratches.
- Food stains
- Paints or inks
1. Clean Scratches Crayon or Pencil Scratches
These are the most common scratches that children leave on walls. Here are several effective methods to remove them
+ Magic Eraser.
- Wet a magic eraser and squeeze out the excess water.
- Gently rub over the scratch until it disappears.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue
+ Baking Soda Paste.
- Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the scratch with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rub gently in a circular motion.
- Wipe with a damp cloth.
+ White Vinegar and Water.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
- Dampen a cloth with the solution and rub the scratch.
- Wipe with a dry cloth.
2. Cleaning Food and Beverage Stains
Food stains can be persistent, but with these methods you can remove them effectively:
+ Water and Mild Soap.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap.
- Dampen a cloth and rub the stain in a circular motion.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
+ Hydrogen Peroxide.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth.
- Rub the stain gently.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and blot with a clean cloth.
3. Cleaning Paint and Ink Stains
For tougher stains such as paint and ink, follow these tips:
+ Isopropyl Alcohol
- Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
- Rub the stain gently.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
+ Non-Gel Toothpaste
- Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the stain.
- Rub with a soft cloth or old toothbrush.
- Wipe with a damp cloth.
– Prevention and Wall Care
In addition to cleaning existing stains, it is important to take preventative measures to minimize future damage. Here are some helpful tips:
+ Establish Art Areas.
- Designate a specific wall or area where children can draw freely. You can cover this area with brown paper or paint a wall with chalkboard paint.
+ Use Washable Paints
- When painting walls, choose high-quality washable paints that make it easy to clean off stains and scratches.
+ Protect Walls with Wall Coverings
- Consider installing wall coverings in stain-prone areas, such as the kitchen and dining room. Vinyl wall coverings are easy to clean and durable.
+ Keep Cleaning Materials on Hand
- Always keep appropriate cleaning materials on hand, such as magic erasers, microfiber cloths and mild cleaning solutions.
– Conclusion
Keeping walls clean and free of scratches when you have children at home may seem challenging, but with the right methods and a few preventative measures, you can keep your home spotless. Remember that the key is to act quickly when faced with any stains and establish habits that encourage cleanliness and home care, so you can enjoy a clean and tidy environment without sacrificing the creativity and playfulness of your little ones!
