Suggestions for cleaning interior walls

[burger]

This weekend I am planning a large scale garage cleanup. After three years of heavy use and abuse, the cleanup is due. The walls have been splashed, sprayed, squirted, and smudged with everything from paint to chemicals to sooty exhaust. What's the best way to clean drywall? So far my efforts have smeared the grime rather than removing it. I think this has something to do with the flat/matte paint sheen. Any suggestions?


Thanks,
Ed

 

[MoonRise]

Sandblaster. Or a pressure washer.

Start with a 'mild' general-purpose cleaner, with a 'little' water. Carefully wipe walls down without soaking them. Get as clean as desired or as possible.

More 'heavy-duty' grease/grime removal may call for more h-d cleaners (such as a TSP solution). Note that TSP may remove paint as well, especially 'iffy' paint.

If walls are still grungy, you may have to 'seal them' with something like Bullseye 1-2-3 or Kilz. And then repaint with a 'washable' paint. Or put on some other 'washable' wall covering over the cruddy wall(s).

 

[Cryo Gal]

TSP mixed strong on a bucket and use a sponge mop for quick/easy initial cleanse and then a rag after that for better cleaning and then re-paint.

 

[kartracer23]

2 words...

Magic Eraser

If a Magic Eraser won't get it clean, it needs to be repainted.

 

[theoldwizard1]

2 words...

Magic Eraser

If a Magic Eraser won't get it clean, it needs to be repainted.

Great for small spots. Not practical for a whole wall.

I second TSP, if you can still buy the "real thing".

 

[Scott65]

x3- TSP is the best solution for cleaning. You may still need a stain killing primer before the repainting and I would use something with more sheen and scrubbability(if that is even a word!).

 

[BWS]

+1 on above sponge mops.

Those little fockers work great.Go to grocery/bx store store and get one of the nicer($$) kinds.Get a cpl replacement sponges.

Got to clean shop flr in assembly,today after a recent build.Gonna use a good'ole sponge mop.They're just better(than big mops)when theres equip and chit around that requires careful cleaning.BW

 

[burger]

Cool. I'll check out the TSP.

 

[Sureshot]

Spray nine and good old tide are my fave cleaners.

 

[Bryan Burns]

I would also use a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner but I'd like to point out that you have to look closely for it. Big box stores sell a popular brand of cleaner with TSP on the box with big letters, but if you look closely, you'll find it doesn't have trisodium phosphate.

Pissed me off the first time I unknowingly bought the stuff.