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[Jeannie29]

I used to dislike this chore until a friend shared her tip. Buy a new mop head and use the mop to wash the walls!  It goes much quicker and so much easier. The first time I washed a wall, I could not believe how dirty the wall was

[flickerbulb]

@Puzzle Piece

I had a hard time finding the powdered version of Spic and Span, but found it at Ace Hardware.

I looked at Target, WM, Publix and they did not carry it.

However, I see it sold on Amazon.

[Hoovermom]

I have never washed a whole house but plan to this fall after all of your posts.  Looking up this topic, it is suggested that a mixture of vinegar and water or a drop of two of dish soap will work but have two buckets/sponges for wash and rinse.  Does this do the trick?

[Mominohio]

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@Hoovermom wrote:

I have never washed a whole house but plan to this fall after all of your posts.  Looking up this topic, it is suggested that a mixture of vinegar and water or a drop of two of dish soap will work but have two buckets/sponges for wash and rinse.  Does this do the trick?

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@Hoovermom

That, in my experience and opinion, seems like extra work. 

The idea is to use something that won't need rinsed. I use Murphy's Oil soap, rather sparingly, and don't rinse.

I'm sure it would depend on the level of dirt on one's walls, but if there aren't smokers in the home, and not a lot of dirty finger marks or scuff marks, even just water will provide a good result.

I think when a lot of people think of 'washing' walls they think of washing the car or washing the dishes, lots of soap and water applied to the surface.

Walls are different. They most usually only need a damp cloth, so soak, rinse the rag in the bucket and wring out to almost dry, then wipe the wall. There should be no dripping down walls or arms, and the surface should appear dry in just seconds.

Extremely dirty walls may need a different approach, but I have never let mine get beyond that.

Be sure to change the water often as it darkens with dirt, so you aren't spreading the dirt, but removing it.

[Puzzle Piece]

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@flickerbulb wrote:

@Puzzle Piece

I had a hard time finding the powdered version of Spic and Span, but found it at Ace Hardware.

I looked at Target, WM, Publix and they did not carry it.

However, I see it sold on Amazon.

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We had a hard time finding it also because in California - the environmentalists don't allow many products we all grew up with here.  It's a lot of wimpy cleaning products out there now.  My husband went on-line and found it an ordered it.  I really want to see how this works. 

[LonestarBabs]

No, I've never washed walls and don't intend to start. The only time I would do something like that is in preparation for painting. Most drywall these days is thin and covered with paper, so any moisture could damage unless you are doing spot-cleaning to remove a scuffmark. Older homes with plaster, paneling, or thick sheetrock might be better candidates for wall washing but I'd still do more of a damp mopping than actual washing IF I were so inclined (which I'm not.)

[Leeny]

I remember my Dad washing walls back in the day. I'm in my 60's so you know how long ago that was. He used amonia and water, yuck. He also helped out our neighbors do their walls and ceilings too. I think back in the "olden" days people burned coal to warm their homes so this was how they kept the walls clean. They did it in the spring and fall. I haven't washed walls in years. It sounds like a good idea to me to pick up a box of Spic and Span. My mother used that to also wash the floors. I remember it had such a clean smell. Thanks for bringing this topic up.

[Lipstickdiva]

I grew up washing our walls down and I cannot imagine never wiping down walls of a home.  Every year when I was growing up, we did a "spring cleaning" that included wiping all walls down in every room of our home, washing all the woodwork and doors with Murphy's Oil soap, washing every single knick-knack, totally taking our beds apart and vacuuming the mattress and box springs.

To this day, I wipe my walls down at least once a year.  I just imagine all the spraying of stuff inside a bathroom like hairproducts, etc.  All that overspray is hitting not only the floor but the walls.  Plus, steam and soap scum end up on walls. 

In the kitchen, again steam from cooking, food splatters, etc. Plus all over the house, heating dust and dust in general get on walls.

I think about all the dust that gets inside my china cabinet, on blinds or draperies, that is also getting on my walls. 

[eddyandme]

My Mum taught me to use Oakite or Spic n Span for washing ceilings and walls - she was right - haven't found anything better!

[eddyandme]

@IamMrsG

just like washing a car - start at the bottom and work up - sounds weird but it works!