My smoker roommate is moving out this weekend and I want to wash the walls down. My ultimate hope is to get the apartment to smell clean. The walls aren't stained or anything, they're still white. I just want to make sure I have a clean start.
I've read through some of the past answers to this question and I'm still not sure. I was going to use TSP, but then read that it can ruin your carpets and I live in an apartment. I also read that it is bad for pets and I have a cat.
Will dish washing detergent really get the job done? What's the ratio for soap and water?
What about white vinegar? And again what are the ratios?
I can't possibly use a magic eraser throughout the entire apartment either, just for the scuff marks and stuff.
Please help! I just want a clean home!!
2007-09-19 09:38:27 · 7 answers · asked by Not quite perfect 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water with a washrag. That's what I did to a friend of mines house when she quit smoking. She insisted that the walls were not stained but once I washed a large space, she saw just how nasty they were. Spray ODOBAN onto all your furniture and carpets to kill the smell from them. ODOBAN can be found at Wal-Mart under the Febreeze. It costs half as much and actually kills the odor causing bacteria so the smell doesn't come back. Remember to keep the windows open while washing the walls or you stink yourself out of the house. Vinegar may work but I am not real certain of it.
2007-09-19 09:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by MJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 4 parts water to one part dish washing detergent should get the job done and not harm the paint, carpet or pets. Remember to start at the top and go to the bottom so drips dont matter. Remember you will have to do the ceiling too since smoke rises. The carpet, drapes and blinds all will need cleaning to get rid of the smoke smell. Hope you find a non-smoker for a new room mate.
2007-09-19 09:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mild soap and water (not Dawn or a degreaser) and don't over scrub or you will have to re-paint the place. Make sure you rinse the soapy water off well. TSP is used to clean walls before painting, as it strips some of the paint off, so DO NOT use that. Good luck!
2007-09-19 09:48:22 · answer #3 · answered by Susan M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go out and buy yourself a Mr Clean Magic Eraser MOP. Wash the walls with an all purpose cleaner - like Mr Clean or Pinesol. use the fragrance of your liking. Then spray everything down with Febreze.
2007-09-19 10:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've used TSP many times in my carpet steamer before, to help clean up cat pee. It didn't hurt my carpet. I don't think it's terribly good for the steamer however. Orange scented Pine Sol would be a good alternative. I'd make it a little weak. Good luck.
2007-09-19 10:19:24 · answer #5 · answered by BERT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hiya go to your local iron mongers or b&q and get some sugar soap it is brilliant at removing nicotine stains... for smells you could use some essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle and just spray it around as often as you wish .or just use airfreshener or maybe incencse sticks,
2007-09-19 09:49:16 · answer #6 · answered by her with the mad ginger hair 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would just use clorox bleach spray and a sponge. its easy, wont ruin the walls, cheap, and will for sure leave a clean smelling aroma.
2007-09-19 09:47:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋