Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[Shana33]

Hello I just found this great forum and i hope you guys can help me with my big problem!
I have a wall next to my stove - i know stupid but i cant change it anymore.
So the wall is full of oli stains - when i try to wipe it off it wont work.
Do you have an idea?
Thanks for your help!

[mrscleannw]

Hello Shana33,
Welcome to the forum. Grease can be a big problem. Try one of our suggestions below to get your kitchen walls looking clean and spotless again:

First you might want to try a product called TSP; you can buy this from your local hardware store, TSP is a heavy duty cleaner that neutralizes and floats away grease, grime, dirt, oil and smoke film. You can use this on walls, floors, woodwork, outdoor furniture, and more. It contains no phosphates, soap, lye or abrasives. Use a dust mask and gloves and have good ventilation when using this product; follow the package instructions.

If you don’t want to try the TSP here are some other suggestions:

Vinegar can be helpful in cutting grease. Let the vinegar sit for a few moment then wipe off with a damp sponge.
Baking soda is alkaline and is helpful on stains. It is good for scrubbing stains and is non-abrasive on most surfaces. Generously sprinkle the soda on a cloth with warm water and then rub it into the greasy area. Let this moist mixture sit on the area for a few moments then wipe off with warm water.
Liquid dishwasher soap also works for some stains, but keep in mind that it usually contains bleach. Again, apply to the stained area, rub, and rinse.
Degreasers are also good. You can try professional strength 409 or a similar spray degreaser, just spray and wipe.
You could also try Spic and Span Powder. It contains soda ash, which is a good cleanser and is used in many types of detergents. It is generally effective at cutting grease stains.
You may also want to consider using a splatter screen to help keep the grease down to a minimum.

Be sure to wear gloves and always rinse the cleanser residue well.
As always, test an inconspicuous area first.

Good luck,
Mrs. Clean

[Shana33]

Thanks so much mrscleannw!

Eventhough i hate vinegar i will try it - i don't have to smell the wall right ?

Regards,
Shana

[Bodazoffa]

I can tell you, most maid services would never touch walls. It doesn't take much to ruin the latex based paint and then you have a real problem. Having worked for a painting company in the past, they recommend touch up paint as the best antidote. If you must clean the walls, no chemicals is the best. A damp cloth with patient application is best. Trust me though, you should always look at repainting.

[concurry]

Once you have cleaned the grease off it (which I am sure you have probably done by now!) just upkeep it by wiping it with baking soda on a wet cloth after every time you cook. I have a fridge beside my stove and that's all I do to keep it clean!!

[mintvictoria]

Molds and moist accumulate on walls especially when your area is humid or you do not have proper ventilation in your home. It is necessary to monitor your walls so that dirt will not stay stuck on your walls. If you don't have the skill nor the time to do the cleaning on your own, you could ask for professional help. But then again, there are some house maids who do not pay attention on walls and just tidy up the place. If your walls are left unattended for a long time, worse problems will occur and you might have to spend more money just to get your walls cleaned.