How to Remove Tough Stains From Walls and Floors Before Moving Out?
During your housekeeping routine, you must be very attentive when vacuuming off, dusting and wiping the wooden furniture, or even when you’re cleaning common areas as well. But how often do you take care of the walls?
The truth is that we barely consider cleaning them. And in case we live on rent, the first time we sanitise the walls is during the end of the tenancy cleaning procedure.
Usually, a stain on the wall signals us that we should apply some solution here. The case with the floors is similar. Though, the cases of a spot on the floor and the walls might be numerous.
The following few lines will reveal how to solve each of them.
Gather needed supplies as a start
If you want to get your tenancy deposit back, you have two options – calling the local end of tenancy cleaning company or getting highly motivated to perform your first really deep sanitising in the rented property.
Those who will opt for the second self-disinfection option should go to the store and get equipped with the following necessary items to clean the walls and the floors:
- Cleaning tools: sponge, microfiber cloth, bucket, spray bottle;
- Cleansing solutions and ingredients for homemade cleansers: an all-purpose cleaner or a mild dishwashing detergent, white vinegar, baking soda, and lukewarm water (preferably distilled).
Protect the surrounding area from spills (and new stains to deal with)
If you don’t want to double your tenancy cleaning checklist, take precautions before wall stain removal.
When dealing with floor stain removal, relying only on your attention to detail while cleaning will be easier. When the wall is on your focus on the mandatory move the furniture aside and temporarily de-install the hanging curtains, pictures, frames, etc.
Covering the floor with nylon or plastic bags could also be a good thing to try.
Dust the area first
Starting with stain removal is not a smart idea.
If you forget to deal with the dust in advance, you risk turning it into new grime and stain later.
Besides, every proper stain removal procedure starts with some pre-treatment. You can use an ordinary cloth to wipe out the area. A soft bristled broom is another awesome cleaning tool that can eliminate as much as possible dust from the walls.
Choose the mop, the vacuum cleaner, or a modern robot vacuum (including water functions), depending on your floor type.
Spot-test your cleaning solution on mandatory
The end of tenancy cleaning is specific to the fact that the final result gets estimated by your landlord. You won’t get your tenancy deposit back if he’s unhappy.
But if, during the inventory check, you present a sparkling clean house and yet, a damaged floor or wall, the result for you will be the same – a negative one.
We are trying to warn you that there’s always a risk of using the wrong cleansing solution. To avoid permanent damages, please, spot-test it in advance.
Select a small inconspicuous area and do your check-up. Wait for a couple of hours to be 100% confident that your idea for a wall stain removal is indeed one rather than the potential to worsen the situation.
Lastly, if you want to improve the appearance of walls, be extremely careful what detergents you apply on delicate surfaces such as matte or flat walls and hard wooden floors.
Wash the wall or floor area
Always work from top to ground. This cleaning approach will save you time and effort.
Start with its treatment if there’s a spot on the wall or the floor. The moment you deal with it is the best moment to start with the overall sanitising. Here’s where it’s good to mention that floor and wall cleaning before moving out is not mandatory, only if there’s a spot on them.
You should take care of these surfaces properly and with suitable detergents to make them shine cleanly.
Use non-abrasive materials
While you are in the store for cleansing detergents, avoid the counter with abrasive products. Read each label carefully. If you are not sure whether there are abrasive ingredients or not, don’t hesitate to get a consult with the shop assistant.
Any abrasive material or component in the product content can permanently destroy the wall surface and most floor types. Even if you make it to remove the stain, the damage will take you to an epic fail during the inventory check with your landlord.
Be careful with moisture
Moisture caused during the cleaning process can cause new problems. It’s why some walls cover with mould or some hard floors swell and expand. Water should be used in minimum quantity and only when necessary. While using liquid detergents and stain removers that require rinsing, blot the surface decently.
Avoid streaks through our tested hacks
It’s very unpleasant and disappointing to succeed in removing a stain from the floor or the wall but to see streaks after the cleaning procedure. They can be very tricky and hard to be eliminated. The best way to handle the issue is simply to avoid streaks.
Here’s a list of tips to accomplish this mission:
- Don’t use harsh cleaning solutions;
- Make sure to reduce the amount of water you apply;
- Always finish the cleaning procedure with wiping;
- Have a clean and high-quality microfiber cloth;
- While washing the wall or the floor, stick to movements from multiple directions;
- For fresh streaks on the walls, use soapy water to remove them and blot the humidity after that immediately;
- If you cannot remove the streaks, some painting job might be needed.
Conclusion
No matter what the dirt is on your wall or floor, you should find a way to eliminate it before you move out.
You cannot get away with skipping it or performing it sloppily because the landlords check everything closely.
Give your best to please them so that you can ensure the return of your security deposit in full.