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NBC News
19-05-2025
- General
- NBC News
How to clean walls properly, according to experts
Even on my best Sunday, when I have it in me to do a deep clean of my apartment, I always feel like I forgot about an area. A few places I'd bet a lot of people, myself included, forget to clean (or perhaps didn't even know they should clean) are the walls. Yes, whether paint-coated, scuff-covered or veiled in dust, walls (including baseboards) require a good cleaning every now and then, according to Robin Murphy, the president of Maid Brigade and author of the blog Who Likes It Dirty?. The first and most important step (and one I think a lot of people may skip) is dusting, according to Kadi Dulude, the owner of the cleaning company Wizard of Homes. To learn more about the proper order for cleaning walls, I spoke with Murphy and Dulude for advice and product recommendations. The best products for cleaning walls All of the cleaning products below are either direct recommendations from our experts, NBC Select staff, or are from brands we've covered in the past. Additionally, some of the products are highly rated with at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon. A common step that a lot of people, myself included, probably forget when it comes to cleaning walls (or really cleaning in general) is dusting. Both Murphy and Dulude recommend dusting first and foremost when cleaning walls. While it's tempting to go in with a spray simply, dusting prevents particles from being pushed around and into the air — the texture of dusters makes them great at acting like a magnet for dust particles. This extendable duster from Swiffer is three feet long, and the end bends perpendicularly, so you don't have to bend down to reach baseboards. You can also use it to clean dust on your electronics, shelves and tables. Bona Spray Mop After dusting, you should use a mop with a microfiber pad to clean walls, such as this one from Bona, which has a 4.5-star average rating from 18,355 reviews on Amazon, and which we featured in our guide on how to clean hardwood floors. This set includes a spare microfiber pad, a bottled cleaning solution that attaches to the length of the mop and a spraying mechanism at the bottom. For cleaning walls, dampen the microfiber pad and use an up-and-down motion to clean. Avoid using too much soap or going in many different directions to prevent streaks. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable Dulude recommends using a Magic Eraser to help remove stains on particularly tough walls. This extra-durable option works similarly to the regular one, except it has grooves on the surface to make scrubbing away stains and scuff marks easier. To use it, follow the usual directions: Saturate the sponge in water, squeeze out a lot of the excess and then use it to clean stains on the walls. Swedish Dishcloth Cellulose Sponge Cloths NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown loves using reusable Swedish dish cloths for cleaning different surfaces in her home, and says they're particularly great at cleaning up dust. A more sustainable alternative to microfiber, Swedish dishcloths are plastic-free, biodegradable and dishwasher safe for up to 30 uses, according to the brand. You can also use them as compost materials when you're done with them. How to clean walls: A step-by-step guide How to clean painted walls Start by using a handheld or full-length duster to clean walls, including the baseboards. This is an important first step that both Murphy and Dulude recommend. Dusting first before introducing moisture or soap prevents simply moving around solid particles. Glide the duster along the side of the baseboards and walls. Dust often settles the most on top of the baseboards and in corners, and a duster clings to it as you move it. You can also use a microfiber or Swedish dish towel to pick up dust by hand. Use a thin mop with a microfiber pad with a small amount of water and soap. Like cleaning floors, Murphy recommends against using a lot of water or soap to prevent damaging painted walls and/or leaving visible streaks behind. Dampen the mop pad with a small amount of mild plant-based soap like Mrs. Meyers, and use it to gently clean the surface of the walls, using an up-and-down motion. Use a hard-surface cleaning sponge to clean scuff marks and tough stains on the walls. If you're dealing with particularly stuck-on stains, Dulude recommends using a lightly damp Magic Eraser to scrub away stains on walls. How to clean walls with wallpaper Follow steps 1 and 2 described above. It's best to avoid getting wallpaper wet as much as possible to avoid damaging it. Instead, it's best to start with a microfiber cloth or mop and use it to wipe down the surface of the walls and remove dust. If there are visible stains on walls with wallpaper, use a very small amount of water to dampen the microfiber cloth and repeat the step above. How to clean textured walls Follow steps 1 and 2 described above. Murphy recommends using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (sometimes called an upholstery attachment) to thoroughly review the walls. Be sure to clean the baseboards with the vacuum as well. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select where I cover home and kitchen topics, including cooking appliances, cleaning gadgets, product reviews and deals and sale events from home and kitchen brands. I spoke to two cleaning experts and gathered recommendations from staff for this story.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Here's your ultimate guide to deep-cleaning your home for spring
Spring is officially here, presenting the perfect opportunity to finally tackle those bigger cleaning projects you've been putting off all year. A deep clean is crucial for keeping dust and other allergens at bay, and when it comes to vents and appliances, can even ward off fires. Imagine how much better it will feel having guests over (or frankly, just breathing) in a sparkling, organized space!"Often, spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when we think everything must be done in one weekend," says Kathy Cohoon, director of operations at Two Maids. "But breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable and allows you to focus on one thing at a time. With a clear plan, the stress fades, making room for motivation and progress." From tackling hard-to-reach areas (you may be surprised at what grime is lingering) to refreshing your mattress and upholstery (we have just the thing), here's a spring-cleaning checklist of expert-approved tasks, plus the gear you need to get them done. Once your space sparkles, it's time for the fun part — add some candles and other easy upgrades from these guides: How to make your home smell like a luxe hotel How to make your bedroom smell like a dream How to make your bathroom feel like a spa If you're wondering where to begin with your spring cleaning journey, start at the top, says Paul Maielua, assistant director of rooms and housekeeping for the Thompson Savannah hotel. "One piece of advice I always give my housekeeping team is to have a cleaning plan that flows logically," he explains. "I begin with high dusting — vent covers, ledges, and fans — then move on to shelves and furniture." Not only does this step ensure you tackle hard-to-reach (and oft-overlooked) areas that tend to gather dust and dirt, but it prevents you from having to re-clean surfaces like counters and floors later on in the process as a result of debris falling. Like fans and fixtures, your home's air vents and filters are known for collecting dust, allergens and pet hair, which Robin Murphy, a cleaning professional at Maid Brigade and author of Who Likes It Dirty? says can impact air quality and force HVAC systems to work harder." "A clogged filter or dusty vents can lead to inefficient airflow, higher energy bills and more airborne irritants," she explains. "Keeping them clean improves air circulation, reduces allergens and lowers energy costs." If you see gray dust streaks around vents, it's a sign that your air filters are overdue for a change, says Murphy. And as a general rule, "Mark your calendar or set a reminder to replace HVAC filters seasonally or every one to two months if you have pets, allergies and/or live in a high-pollen area." Been a while since you cleaned your curtains? "You don't have to haul out the step stool and wrestle them down every month," says Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro franchises in Temecula and Murrieta, Calif. "My go-to trick? Vacuum them with the brush attachment once a month. It's quick, easy and keeps the dust from piling up." Cohoon recommends vacuuming top to bottom to ensure you get everything (FYI, here are our top vacuum picks). Follow up with some spot-cleaning if needed, or for the occasional deeper clean, toss your curtains into the laundry if they're machine-washable. Also, don't forget to clean your shower curtains! Machine-wash them if you can, or spray them with a bleach solution so they don't become a hotspot for mold and mildew. "Regularly cleaning shower heads and sink faucets improves water pressure, prevents bacteria buildup and extends the life of your fixtures," says Murphy. "Hard water deposits can clog tiny openings, reducing efficiency and even affecting water quality. Over time, biofilm and mold can also develop inside the fixture, especially in humid environments." Luckily, a few household essentials (see below) can help clear things up. And don't overlook your garbage disposal. As Murphy says, "It's a workhorse in the kitchen, but built-up grease, food particles and bacteria can create unpleasant odors and sluggish performance." While it's good practice to wipe down spills and toss expired items weekly, Jonathan Shelson, owner of MaidPro franchises in Ontario, Canada, recommends doing a deep-clean on your refrigerator every 3 to 4 months. "Plus, If you've recently had a power outage, spilled something sticky or noticed a persistent odor, it's a good idea to clean your fridge." Shelson recommends soaking shelves and drawers in warm soapy water and wiping them with a non-abrasive pad (we like Scrub Mommy). "Be sure to wipe down seals — the number one spot where mold grows in a fridge — plus hinges and handles. Work your way down, being mindful to use clean rags to not spread contaminants throughout the fridge," he says. "Your mattress collects dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens over time, affecting sleep quality and potentially triggering allergies," says Murphy, who recommends using a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment to remove dust, hair and debris, paying special attention to seams and edges. Then use baking soda to deodorize the mattress and spot-treat any stains (more on this below). Some mattresses should also be rotated every 3 to 6 months to ensure even wear, she says. "A thorough spring cleaning removes built-up debris, neutralizes odors and refreshes your sleeping space, helping you rest easier and extending your mattress's lifespan." Time to show your floors some much-needed TLC. Duarte recommends using a gentle cleaner on hardwoods regularly and getting your carpets professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months. If you have area rugs, try to rotate them every few months to avoid worn patches, especially under furniture, she adds. "Trust me. I saved for what seemed a lifetime for a beautiful wool area rug, and when the carpet cleaner visited, we found wear-pattern stains that never got as clean as the bright white area under the couch. Ouch!" If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
