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

  1. 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.

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

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

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

  5. 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.

  6. Using a sponge with the homemade solution,        gently scrub the walls in a circular motion.

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

  8. 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

Cleaning your ceilings and walls should be part of the regular cleaning maintenance for 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 Bear/New Castle 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 Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000 for all your nicotine cleaning, odor removal, water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation needs!