re; Cleaning help needed
Posted by: empalo <empalo@...>
Cleaning Sooty walls
Increased use of wood stoves and fireplaces and some return to coal stoves,
may result in increased deposits of smoky, sooty soil on walls, and ceilings
near the stoves. This soil is greasy, and therefore an alkaline cleaner
works best to remove it. A stronger solution is usually needed than for
normal soil, but too strong a solution can damage the wall finish.
On painted walls and woodwork, a solution of one tablespoon of trisodium
phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon warm water, applied with a sponge should remove
this soil. Rinse well with a sponge dipped in clear water. Wiping off excess
water with absorbent cotton rags (which can be laundered and reused many
times) leaves the surface cleaner. Change washing and rinse waters often.
If this solution does not remove the sooty soil, a little more TSP can be
added but try not to get much more than 2 tablespoonsful per gallon. Too
much TSP will dull the surface of paint, or actually remove paint. TSP is
sold in paint stores used by professional painters, and is actually used in
stronger concentrations to remove paint or dull the surface gloss of enamel
before repainting.
Alkalis that may be added to warm water for removing these greasy soil
deposits include ammonia, washing soda, and laundry detergent (low sudsing
types are easiest to rinse off). Try a small amount first, and only increase
the concentration if the soil is stubborn, remembering too strong a solution
will remove some paint. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. Avoid
spilling on other surfaces in the room and wipe up promptly if spills do
occur.
Cleaning off such soil is best done as an annual chore, in late spring,
after the heating season is ended. Then walls will stay clean longer