Tips for Removing Wall Stains

We love our kids and we love our pets. None of us would trade them for the world. Though when it comes to the messes they leave behind, bad thoughts may sneak their way in. Hands and paws alike can find themselves on our walls leaving unsightly messes and even worse, stains. Fresh messes are easy to clean with something as simple as a damp rag but when it come to stains you have to be more careful so you don't damage your wall or paint. Most common cleaners will take away your stain troubles but will also remove the paint under it as well.

 

Crayons, markers and finger paints...oh my! If you're not one who is so fortunate to have had kid friendly, stain resistant paint throughout your home, planning ahead for your future Van Gogh, don't panic. For every new wall design courtesy of your little one's creativity, there is a big tough bald guy in a small package to rescue your walls and your child's future use of craft products. Mr. Clean and Scotch Bright have come up with a great product called the Magic Eraser. Some spots take more elbow grease on your end, but this magical little sponge will do the trick every time. All you have to do is get that Magic Eraser wet and hit the artwork left behind on your walls. The Magic Eraser will get the mess cleaned up with out leaving any damage to the paint.

 

Over the years cleaning up these messes with my own child, the Magic Eraser has been the best and the easiest. Products like Windex and bleach water eventually get the stains out from crayons, markers and finger paints but it took quite a while and you have to be very careful to not cause more damage yourself. Though Windex and bleach water aren't ideal for artsy messes on your walls, they do work great for pet stains.

 

From mud to stains from them laying up against the walls, the bigger cleaners are the best way to go and for several reasons. Magic Erasers break down and dissolve with use. So using these for bigger projects can end up costing you a pretty penny. Another reason why using actual cleaning products for the pet wall stains is because these stains have probably been building up for a while and since they were caused by your your pet there is a good chance for germs and harmful bacteria that only cleaners like bleach can do a good job at taking care of.

 

When using the bleach water, follow the mixing instructions on the bottle carefully. Ventilate the room you will be working in the the best you can to avoid getting dizzy or feeling sick. Remember that when you are scrubbing the stain to not do it too hard as this will take off paint creating even more work. When you are finished, rinse the wall with plain, bleach free water and dry. Encourage your pet to stay ways from the wall by moving their bed or sleeping area and keep your eyes peeled to catch problem spots early.