How can I remove stains from my wall?

July 13, 2007 8:09 AM

How to remove stains on my wall?

I just moved to a new place, unfortunately it is less then clean - and though I'm not anal-retentive, I don't like to see brown splash marks on the wall (coffee? I choclate pie fight?). I sprayed some bleach soap on them but it only works a little.
Short of painting the wall, what can I buy or make? I live in Holland, so brand names are not so helpful - better to be general about what sort of product I need.

Thanks!

posted by mateuslee to home & garden (9 comments total)

I know that you said name brands wouldn't be helpful, but Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are absolutely wonderful for helping to remove stains from walls without removing paint/wallpaper.

Aside from brand names, have you tried white vinegar? It helps get brown/yellow stains out of clothing and other fiber based things, so I imagine it might work on walls as well.
posted by banannafish at 8:18 AM on July 13, 2007

mateuslee, what are your walls made of? Plaster? Wallboard? Is there wallpaper or paint on the walls now?
posted by Mister_A at 8:26 AM on July 13, 2007

Magic erasers.

Have no idea what they're called in Holland. Magiche Eraseroon?
posted by unixrat at 8:30 AM on July 13, 2007

American Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.

They're a P&G product - after doing a database search it shows that they're sold in Albert Heijn.
posted by banannafish at 8:48 AM on July 13, 2007

not much help... but we have brown stains in our kitchen too. My husband put a coke in the fridge and when he opened the can it sprayed everywhere. I still can't get rid of it.
It looks like I will be trying the magic eraser
posted by nimsey lou at 9:30 AM on July 13, 2007

Be careful with the Magic Erasers, as they have a tendency to remove a layer of paint as well. Test in an inconspicuous spot first - really!
posted by Coffeemate at 9:49 AM on July 13, 2007

Sugar soap is prefect for such things. I buy the impregnated wipes for ease of use. No idea about Holland, but I've bought it in supermarkets and hardware shops in Australia, the UK and France, so I imagine it should be available. And, as Coffeemate says above, don't rub anything abrasive too hard on your walls!
posted by goo at 10:02 AM on July 13, 2007

TSP or trisodium phosphate is used to clean walls prior to painting and, I believe, can get anything off. Possibly even the paint so you may want to try it in a small, inconspicuous area first. You'll have to wear gloves and keep the room ventilated as well.
posted by LunaticFringe at 10:18 AM on July 13, 2007

Along the lines of the recomendations for magic erasers, if you're a cheapskate or have a LOT of dirty wall to clean;) Try ebay for the generic 'melamine sponges' e.g. 50 pieces for $20.
posted by acro at 4:38 PM on July 13, 2007