I recently made the life-changing decision to quit smoking, and I feel absolutely amazing! However, the remnants of my past habit still linger in my kitchen, where the walls bear the marks of my old ways, complete with odors and unsightly stains. It has been three years since I last painted the walls, and they have developed an unfortunate yellowish tint due to the tar and nicotine, particularly noticeable on the ceiling. Beyond just aesthetics, these smoke residues can pose serious health risks, contributing to respiratory and lung issues. Though I may not be in the best position to preach after years of smoking, I am determined to cleanse my home of this unwanted presence. My goal is to restore the brightness of my kitchen walls.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s important to note that if your walls have heavy nicotine stains, you may need to consider priming and repainting them, or even applying new wallpaper. However, if the stains are not too severe, you can follow these effective cleaning steps:
Supplies You’ll Need:
- 2 microfiber cloths
- 1-gallon bucket
- Sponge
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar, ammonia, or lemon juice
Step 1: Dust the Walls
Begin by dusting the walls using a microfiber cloth or a damp chamois cloth. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hose and upholstery brush attachment to carefully reach corners and crevices.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Next, fill a 1-gallon bucket with hot tap water. Add 3 tablespoons of dish soap and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Wash the Walls
Take a sponge and dip it into the homemade cleaning solution. Wring it out thoroughly, then wash the walls starting from the bottom and moving upward. To prevent the walls from absorbing excess moisture, dry each section immediately with a microfiber or chamois cloth.
Step 4: Use a Stronger Solution
For tougher stains, pour 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar, ammonia, or lemon juice into a bowl. If you opt for vinegar or ammonia, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or turning on a fan.
Step 5: Scrub the Walls
Dip a clean sponge into the vinegar or ammonia solution. Wash the walls again, beginning from the bottom and scrubbing gently in a circular motion.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry
After scrubbing, rinse the sponge in clean water, wring it out, and wipe the walls down once more. Finish by drying the walls thoroughly with a microfiber or chamois cloth.