sheryl Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 Our family room is semi-gloss white and we painted it over 20 years ago! It's been kept in pretty good condition so here's my question with that in mind. There is a "shadow" built up on the walls. I know it's from our wood-burning insert in which we do burn fires (on occasion in the winter) and just b/c well, it's over 20 years. We are slooooooowly doing this and that to put our house on the market (that won't be for some time yet). Is there a way to "clean" the walls WELL to avoid repainting. We have so many other things to do (inside and out). I'm hoping there is some technique that would remove the "shadow" and it will be quicker (and less expensive) than repainting. We've used water and sponge but to no avail. It does NOT work. And, it may be a fine layer of "ash" from the insert that spills out. If that's the case I don't know if it would be possible to clean. If so though, with what product and technique? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosch Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 I would just repaint. I'm sure that 20 year old paint could use refresh especially if you're trying to sell. Paint and supplies are not that expensive. Painting (for me) would be much less tedious than trying to clean all the walls. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 I second the magic eraser and water. Our foyer/stairwell is very tall and after 20 years the wall going up the stairs was super grubby. Two decades of kids, grandkids, and even elderly parents running hands on the walls as they went upstairs. Really didn't want to repaint because we'd have to hire that done due to the high ceiling over the curved stairway. It took me three cleaning sessions but it looks good now. This is old plaster but I think it's worth a chance on your walls. Keep that magic eraser wet, wipe it down with a clean dry cloth as you go (otherwise the dirty water just dries on your wall and it looks bad), and be prepared that it might take more than one cleaning. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 I second the magic eraser and water. Our foyer/stairwell is very tall and after 20 years the wall going up the stairs was super grubby. Two decades of kids, grandkids, and even elderly parents running hands on the walls as they went upstairs. Really didn't want to repaint because we'd have to hire that done due to the high ceiling over the curved stairway. It took me three cleaning sessions but it looks good now. This is old plaster but I think it's worth a chance on your walls. Keep that magic eraser wet, wipe it down with a clean dry cloth as you go (otherwise the dirty water just dries on your wall and it looks bad), and be prepared that it might take more than one cleaning. I'm not familiar with the product. Is it really the size of an eraser? That would take forever and hence my concern and reason for thinking repainting would be quicker. Do you have a brand/link to the item? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 (edited) I'm not familiar with the product. Is it really the size of an eraser? That would take forever and hence my concern and reason for thinking repainting would be quicker. Do you have a brand/link to the item? :) Magic Erasers are the size of a sponge, but they work more like a super-super-fine abrasive. Edited November 16, 2017 by Corraleno 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 And I agree that magic erasers work really well for cleaning grubby or smudgy walls, but IMO it would be faster and less hassle to just repaint versus cleaning entire walls. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 Yup. Magic eraser does the job, but for a whole room, repainting produces WAY better results for the time investment. Repainting also just perks up a room in a way that cleaning does not. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 Got it. Combined thank you all! The eraser is more for "spot" cleaning, I think. And, there is a 'haze" or "film" over all or most of the room - I agree that under the circumstances, painting would be the better choice! Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandwalker Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 (edited) There are cheap generic magic erasers online that work the same and are a fraction of the cost. I got a huge pack from alibaba.com awhile back. Eta: I would repaint, too, rather than clean the whole thing. I kind of like to paint anyway. :) Edited November 17, 2017 by Sandwalker 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaleSprouts Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 (edited) TSP (trisodium pbosphate) cleaner from the hardware store is the best cleaner for painted walls. It is around $5 I think. If it doesn't work well enough to be pretty you'll at least have a clean surface for new paint to stick to. Edited November 17, 2017 by KaleSprouts 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okra Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 We use magic erasers to clean walls. But, for a big job I think it might be easier to color match and repaint. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Magic Erasers are abrasive, and will remove the sheen from the semi-gloss paint. The work great for scuff marks and crayon and stuff like that, but not for an entire wall. You will see streaks and swirls where the paint has been rubbed. If there is a haze all over the walls, you will want to wash them before painting, otherwise the paint might not stick well. TSP, which KaleSprouts mentioned, will remove grease, grime, and hopefully the haze. You can then see the condition of the paint. You might be able to go a little longer before painting. But, for the best looking walls, 20 years is as long as any paint can be expected to hold up. It really is time to paint. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMWB Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 I would actually second the TSP over a magic eraser. And the bonus is that if you are going to paint, you really should paint clean walls as the paint will adhear better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Yes, clean the walls properly and then paint. Get some help to choose neutral, flattering, modern colors. The realtor will have some advice on what will go over well in your area. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Sugar soap. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Magic eraser has always removed paint from my walls, leaving horrible marks. I wouldn't use it on painted surfaces. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 I would just repaint. I'm sure that 20 year old paint could use refresh especially if you're trying to sell. Paint and supplies are not that expensive. Painting (for me) would be much less tedious than trying to clean all the walls. This would be my recommendation too. I *love* the Magic Eraser-it is a wonder. But, you will need to wash the *entire* wall or you'll see the streaks and places you missed. It would probably faster to repaint. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Repainting would probably be easier. My go to cleaner is Fantastik. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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