How To Clean Heavy Grime Off Walls Before Painting

AnswerLine calls are a great resource for web log topics. Today's blog comes from an AnswerLine caller who wanted to know how to make clean cooking grease from a painted kitchen wall.

Grease stains on any surface tin can be an intimidating trouble. They are both unsightly and hard to remove. Due to meal preparations involving cooking, sauteing and frying, the kitchen is the nearly mutual expanse in the abode where grease stains occur; not only are the spatters of concern, but too the fine mist that gradually collects on walls and other surfaces. The longer grease, and especially cooking grease, is left on any surface, the more than difficult it is to remove; over time information technology tends to gel and bond to the host surface. Further, the more porous the surface is, the more than difficult the grease is to remove. Even after the stickiness is gone, there is oft some discoloration to the surface, especially a painted wall, which will likely require repainting. Since one tin never be totally sure that all the grease has been removed, information technology is a good thought to prime number the wall with a KILZ paint to make sure that the stain will not eventually show through the new pigment.

Here'southward some common household items that will help remove grease stains from painted walls:

White vinegar. Mix one part white vinegar with ane function hot h2o. Apply a spray canteen to apply the solution to the grease. Allow it to set for several minutes and so wipe with a clean rag. Work in pocket-size areas and repeat as many times as necessary to get the wall clean. If the area is big, use several rags to collect the grease.
Baking soda. Make a paste of 3 tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of warm water. Work the paste into the grease stain. Gently rub the area with a nylon scrubber until the stain disappears. Wipe make clean with a clean damp rag.
Ammonia. Mix two cups of household ammonia with one gallon of hot water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution and scrub with a nylon sponge or brush to remove the stains. Gloves and ventilation are a must when using ammonia.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). TSP is a strong cleaner. It can crusade irritation and even burn if it is used incorrectly. Wear condom gloves, prophylactic goggles, and long sleeves to protect your skin and eyes. Surfaces outside of the affected area should exist protected from TSP splashes every bit it tin discolor or de-gloss paint, woods, and metallic. A solution of ¼ cup TSP per gallon of very warm water is a good place to start. For heavy grease build up, increase the ratio to ½ cup TSP per gallon of water. Use a sponge to apply the solution, wringing out the sponge to avoid dripping. Working from the lesser up reduces streaking. Permit the solution to sit on the wall for two minutes to soften the grease before scrubbing with a nylon scrub pad. Rinse the affected area thoroughly as any residue left on the wall could prevent pigment from adhering.

Marlene Geiger

I am a graduate of the Academy of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado Country University with a MS in Textiles and Article of clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing cognition and experience with others.