Comments on: How can I remove stains from my wall?

Question: How can I remove stains from my wall?

mateuslee — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:09:45 -0800

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!

By: banannafish

banannafish — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:18:09 -0800

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.

By: Mister_A

Mister_A — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:26:16 -0800

mateuslee, what are your walls made of? Plaster? Wallboard? Is there wallpaper or paint on the walls now?

By: unixrat

unixrat — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:30:13 -0800

Magic erasers.

Have no idea what they're called in Holland. Magiche Eraseroon?

By: banannafish

banannafish — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:48:10 -0800

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.

By: nimsey lou

nimsey lou — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:30:30 -0800

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

By: Coffeemate

Coffeemate — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:49:06 -0800

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!

By: goo

goo — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:02:22 -0800

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!

By: LunaticFringe

LunaticFringe — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:18:15 -0800

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.

By: acro

acro — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:38:44 -0800

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.