DIY Network

Cleaning Walls From "Spruce It Up With the Queen of Clean Inside the Castle" episode SCI-101

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If your child or grandchild went a little wild with crayons on your wall, the Queen of Clean®, Linda Cobb, has the answers to your cleanup questions. Before starting the chore of cleaning walls, make sure you have all the equipment and materials you'll need to get the job done. See our complete list, left. Figure A Figure B

Cleaning Crayon Marks Off a Wall

Materials:

Lubricating oil (WD-40 was used on-air)
Soft cloth
Dishwashing liquid
Soft toothbrush (optional)

1. Pour lubricating oil onto a soft cloth and wipe the wall until the marks (crayon, pencil, pen, etc.) are gone.

   Note: If the wall has crevices, it's best to use a soft toothbrush to remove the marks.

2. When all the marks are off the wall, pour dishwashing liquid onto a soft cloth; wash and rinse the wall.

Wall Washing 101

Materials:

Bucket
Cleaning solution (see recipe, below)
Baking soda
Soft cloth
Natural sponge
Art-gum eraser
Small strips of cloth and rubber bands (wrapped around wrist -- figure A -- to catch water runoff)
Drop cloth

Homemade Cleaning Solution

Ingredients:

1 gallon warm water
1/2 cup ammonia
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda

1. Combine the ingredients in a bucket.

2. Place the drop cloth on the floor underneath the wall.

3. Dip the sponge in the homemade solution until it's thoroughly wet.

4. Start at the bottom of the wall and be sure to move the sponge in a circular motion. Be sure to rinse the sponge regularly.

   Note: It's best to start at the bottom of the wall because runs are easier to clean.

5. Never stop washing in the middle of the wall. Keep washing across the entire wall to eliminate any "tide" marks (figure B), which can show right where you started or stopped.

Queen of Clean's Dirty Little Secrets:

• Grease removes grease.

• Be sure to use natural sponges when cleaning walls. Nylon sponges tend to stick and make the job twice as hard.

• To get rid of spots on the wall, dab the corner of a white rag in baking soda and rub gently on the mark.

• As soon as any cleaning solution gets dirty, change it, and you won't have to bother rinsing.

• Baking soda is a mild abrasive and all-purpose cleaner.

Next: Dusting and Removing Furniture Scratches

RESOURCES :

Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean
ISBN: 0743418301
Author: Linda Cobb
(1998) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

Talking Dirty Laundry With the Queen of Clean
ISBN: 0743418328
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

The Queen of Clean: The Royal Guide to Spot and Stain Removal
ISBN: 0743437837
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

A Queen for All Seasons: A Year of Tips, Tricks, and Picks for a Cleaner House and ...
ISBN: 0743428315
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

GUESTS :
Betty Archambeau
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