I am in the process of washing walls in an old house. need suggestions as to what to use.?

Question

there are years of dirt and grime caked on the walls. what can I use to remove it? I have tried ammonia, vinegar, and dishwashing soap to no avail.

these are painted walls.

Answer 1

Use TSP, otherwise known as tri sodium phosphate. It is used to clean dirty walls in preparation for a new paint job. You will find it in the paint department of your local hardware store.
Read more...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trisodium_phosphate

Answer 2

It really depends on What kind of walls are u trying to wash...Wallpaper, paint, plaster.?
If they are painted walls I would buy a sealer, primer and paint it on and then repaint them...More work, but might be worth it
If you dont want to do that I would, use 409, grease lightning. When you start cleaning them and see the paint is coming off, you will have to repaint them. I`m thinking maybe you can buy paint with a good primer or sealer in it already... You might call Lowes or Wal-Mart and ask them
Latex flat:
This type of paint, which is a pretty common household paint, is not as washable as enamel paints. When you use heavy-duty cleaners or scrub the surface hard, you run the risk of removing the paint along with any dirt. Be sure to use mild detergents and gentle scrubbing, and don't let any solution sit on the surface for more than a minute.

Answer 3

Washing old walls may be harmful or you could be washing them with something toxic if paint contains lead. (like bleach, ammonia, etc...) Your best bet would be to cover all the grime with a paint called "zinzers", covers even grease stains, works wonderfully. Then if real bad, apply two coats and then paint with a washable paint.

Answer 4

Simple Green

Answer 5

Try TSP. It's a powder that require very hot water to activate. It is Tri sodium phosphate and it can be purchased in Home depot or Lowe's. It's also very inexpensive.

Answer 6

You can just remove the loose surface dirt, use a good primer (kilz) and repaint.

Answer 7

enamel paint, just about anything will work. Semi-gloss, use simple -green, it works on everything. It will not stain the floors or carpet if you get it on them. If no carpet, or wood floor, use clorax kitchen cleanup.

Answer 8

It depends on what the walls are made of. Plaster? Paneling?

Answer 9

Pine sol and a magic eraser

Answer 10

I always use warm water with a little pine-sol type cleaner mixed in.