How to Get Rid of Nicotine Stains on Walls

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

We strive to restore your ceilings and walls without the need to repaint or refinish and to help the entire property smell fresh.

The Nicotine in Tobacco That Stains Skin and Teeth Will Also Stain Your Walls

Homes inhabited by smokers may have brown or yellow stains or streaks on the walls from years of cigarette smoke. While heavy nicotine staining may require priming and repainting the walls or applying new wallpaper, less-porous materials such as wood paneling often come clean with a good scrub. Cleansers that cut grease help cut through nicotine stains as well.

What You’ll Need

• 2 microfiber or chamois cloths
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery brush
• 1-gallon bucket
• Dishwashing liquid
• Baking soda
• Sponge
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Ammonia

How to Clean Your Walls

• Dust the walls by wiping with a microfiber cloth or damp chamois cloth. Alternatively, you can vacuum them with a hose and upholstery brush attachment to get into corners and crevices.

• Mix 1 gallon of hot water, 3 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1/2 cup baking soda.

• Use a sponge to clean the walls with the homemade cleaning solution.

• Dry each section with a microfiber or chamois cloth immediately after washing to prevent the wall from absorbing too much water.

• Mix 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar, ammonia, or lemon juice into a bowl. If using vinegar or ammonia, open the windows or turn on a fan.

• Using a sponge with the vinegar/ammonia/lemon juice, gently scrub the walls in a circular motion.

• Rinse the sponge in clean water, wring it out, and wipe the walls down. Dry them with a microfiber or chamois cloth.

• Once you finish cleaning overly stained walls, use a primer that covers stains and paint over the primer once it is dry.

Ceilings and Walls

Ceiling and wall cleaning should be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. You should also clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, SERVPRO of Upper Darby can help.

Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property. Learn more about air duct and HVAC cleaning.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Darby, PA at (610) 352-0700 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs!