Cleaning up the mess of cooking oil can be a hassle—whether it comes from cooking, a person’s fingers, or even hair products. These stains often need to be addressed during end of lease cleaning, where attention to detail is crucial for securing your bond return.
The sources of grease and oil stains on the walls can originate from different places, and knowing the source can make it easier to deal with the stains. Here are some familiar sources:
The longer walls with stains sit uncleaned, the harder it gets to clean them and more effort will be required. There is also a risk of using the wrong method of cleaning and worsening the problem, like hiding them with paint or damaging the wall’s finish.
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Removal of Oil Stains: Easy Do-It-Yourself Strategies
Most oil stains can be removed using simple DIY methods that don't harm your paint as long as you tackle them promptly. However, pre-testing any cleaning solution on a small hidden area to check for discoloration or damage is always a good idea.
Here are some techniques that most certainly will help you remove oil stains:
Mixing Soapy Water and Dish Soap
What it does:
With regard to minor and fresh stains, the effectiveness of dish soap for stubborn grease makes it easy to remove.
How to do it:
1. Combine a few drops of dish soap and warm water in a bowl or spray bottle.
2. Soak a soft cloth or sponge in and wring it out.
3. Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rub in gentle circular motions.
4. Remove excess soap with a clean cloth damped in water.
5. Blot the painted surface to get rid of moisture. This is particularly important to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Best for: Stain removal light and fresh stains. Routine cleaning.
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Baking Soda Paste
How it works:
Baking soda works wonders as a remover of grease and being able to absorb stains. Its gentle nature makes it ideal when trying to remove deep oil stains.
Steps to use:
• Using three tablespoons of baking soda, add warm water slowly until a thick paste forms. Equal parts of water and baking soda work too.
• Apply the paste to the stain and let it soak for five to fifteen minutes.
• Scrub the area using a soft sponge, cloth, soft-bristled brush, or a gentle scrub pad.
• Wipe off the area with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining grime.
Best for: Deep-set grease marks.
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White Vinegar Solution
How it works:
Being acidic in nature, white vinegar cuts through oil and grease. It is also versatile for different types of stains and acts as a disinfectant on walls.
Steps to use:
• In a spray bottle, mix an equal or one to two ratio of white vinegar and water.
• Spray the mix onto the stains and leave it for five minutes.
• Remove soap with a clean damp cloth. If needed, repeat until satisfied.
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Dawn Powerwash
How it works:
Dawn can be sprayed on stubborn grease on drywall to aid in the removal of the grease.
Steps to use:
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Household Ammonia Solution
How it works:
Household ammonia works well for older tougher grease marks. It is useful for walls that have been painted with gloss or semi-gloss finishes as it can be harmful to matte or flat paints.
Caution:
Always open windows for fresh air and wear gloves while using ammonia to protect your hands.
Steps to use:
Make sure to use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any remaining ammonia.
Removing stubborn grease from kitchen walls and old oil stains is best achieved with ammonia.
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Cornstarch for Fresh Oil Stains
How it works:
Cornstarch works to absorb oil that is fresh, preventing it from setting into the wall surface.
Steps to use:
• Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain immediately.
• Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes.
• Remove the cornstarch with a dry cloth, then wash the area with warm water.
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Addressing Various Walls and Stains
Flat Wall Paint (Matte Paint)
Flat paints are non-reflective and so will be difficult to clean oil stains from.
For these surfaces, combine a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Soft cloths should be used to dip into the mixture and gently applied to the stain, to both scrub away the oil and protect the paint. Other options include diluted vinegar, or a paste from baking soda applied gingerly. Textured walls should not be scrubbed, as too much pressure will be damaging.
Removing Oil Stains From Hair
Removing oil stains from hair involves a combination of hair oils, stylistic products, and scent oils.
It's best to clean them right away; otherwise, you will have to put in extra effort to remove them, and nobody wants that.
• Mild soap or warm water with soap is a good starting point.
• If that doesn't work, mixing vinegar and water is your best bet. Oil is broken down by the vinegar's acidity.
• Paste of baking soda and water works great for stubborn stains as well. Apply gently after letting it sit.
Cleaning Persistent Stains From Overhead Kitchen Cabinets
Unpleasant stains on overhead kitchen cabinets can be annoying.
These stains are caused by grease and bits of food stuck to them that are often found around stovetops and behind countertops. Tending to these marks as soon as possible is crucial because they set quite fast and become difficult to remove.
• Home remedies using vinegar or baking soda work well on ceilings, too.
• All-purpose cleaners do work, and so do soap or water.
• A fresh coat of paint works wonders if previous methods have failed.
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Dirt that is Ground In and Textured Patterns on Surfaces
Surfaces with patterns could be dirty because they might have dust or dirt on them. The work that is done for such areas needs to be done with care, especially the outermost surface layer.
Tools:
• Super vacuums with a soft brush head
• Microfiber dusters
• Lint rollers
• Soft brooms for ceiling cleaning
• Soft sponges or erasers for light blemishes
• Duster for cleaning the floor
Cleaning methods:
• Spot cleaning: Take warm water mixed with a mild dish soap, soak a sponge in it, and blot. (Do not scrub.)
• Deep cleaning: To avoid streaks, do not use a bucket. Use a spray bottle instead. Work small sections and use sponge mops on ceilings. Turn on fans and open windows to dry.
• Stain-specific: For grease stains, baking soda can be sprinkled on them.
Avoid:
• Bleach or any harsh cleaners as these weaken the texture and paint.
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When a Repaint or Prime is Required
Certain stains, such as oil stains, cannot be removed.
This is especially true if there are standards to be met at the completion of a lease. In these situations, repainting is necessary.
• Strong primers should be used so oil stains cannot seep through fresh coats of paint.
* Use TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) to wash down the wall and rinse thoroughly.
* Drying has to be completed before priming is 24 hours.
Primer Options:
* BIN is shellac-based and blocks stains and odors, sometimes one coat is enough.
* Cover Stain & Kilz (Oil-based) are easier to apply and one coat of Kilz can cover water/tannin stains.
* Kilz (Water-based) may require 3 coats.
Matching the new paint color with the existing walls for a seamless finish.
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Ways to Prevent Future Oil Stains
* Selecting the right paint: semi-gloss or satin is preferable as they are easier to maintain, more durable, and last longer. There are also kitchen paints that offer anti-microbial and grease resistance.
* Routine cleaning:
* Monthly scrubbing of kitchen walls.
* Cleaning of the door and switching for 2 weeks when cooking frequently.
* Installation of guard/splash backs that reduces grime buildup.
* Ventilation:
* Exhaust fans during cooking.
* Open windows.
* Air purifiers are also useful.
* Reduce the amount of wall contact while cleaning dirty hands to prevent contact with oily hands.
* Dusting the walls and ceilings monthly reduces allergens and build up.
Professional Cleaning Services
When dealing with more grime than expected, such as deep stains and tough oil marks, a professional service can greatly assist.
Services like O2Ocleaning, can assist you.
They use special techniques along with green products to remove deep stains while preserving the paint.
Maintaining your living spaces makes the walls clean and attractive, welcoming to guests.
This is a big time-saver for you. Many providers also offer specialized cleaning services for move-out cleaning.
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Conclusion
In order to maintain your walls, you have to deal with the source of oil stains. Use the right cleaning products. Be smart on when to prime or repaint. Also, take proactive steps to prevent fresh stains.
These will simplify the steps needed to clean your home or get ready for an end-of-lease clean.
