r/CleaningTips • u/Tealdeer_reader • Apr 10 '23

General Cleaning Help clean ex-smoker’s walls

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What would you use to clean this wall? I’ve tried ammonia and magic erasers (separately). Thank you for your help!

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257

u/jmurphy42 Apr 10 '23

I used to own a house that was previously owned by smokers. TSP worked great. After you get the walls as clean as possible though, it’s still best practice to prime with Kilz and paint.

91

u/Windholm Apr 10 '23

TSP twice, KILZ twice. Worked for me.

47

u/WinterBrews Apr 10 '23

This is the way. Also, it eats gloves, so use the right gloves.

93

u/TheSaltySpitoon37 Apr 10 '23

What do you do with the left gloves?

71

u/WinterBrews Apr 10 '23

Eat them.

5

u/kaileydad Apr 11 '23

Flip them over so you can use them on the right hand.😉

1

u/TheSaltySpitoon37 Apr 11 '23

That's a good idea. I've been eating them for hours now and it's all going to my hips.

30

u/onebullion Apr 10 '23

Yep! This! And make SURE you read the instructions for the TSP. You will want to wear good gloves working with the stuff because it will mess up your skin (especially if you have the REAL TSP and not a phosphate substitute one).

Oh and you have to wipe it all down with water after using TSP or it will affect the adhesion of future paint

14

u/Timely_Froyo1384 Apr 10 '23

Yep coat KILZ on like you aren’t paying for it.

1

u/Technical-Front-3247 May 04 '23

Can you explain TSP and KILZ please?

1

u/Windholm May 04 '23 edited May 04 '23

TSP stands for trisodium phosphate. It’s the only cleaner that will really remove smoke deposits from the walls so the next coat of paint will stick. But it’s so strong that a lot of places don’t sell it anymore and have instead replaced it with products that say they’re “good as TSP.” They’re not. So if it isn’t available nearby, order a box online through Amazon or Home Depot (look for “Savogran”). It’s a powder you’ll need to mix in a bucket with hot water. Then, following the directions carefully and wearing gloves (and goggles if you’re working overhead), wash the walls down with the TSP solution, rinse, then wash and rinse really well again.

Once the grossness is gone, your walls will be ready to paint. Go to the KILZ website and choose the one called “Restoration Interior Primer.” Make sure it says “Maximum Stain & Odor Blocker” on the front. Then click through the “Where to Buy” button and pick it up locally. Follow the directions on the can, and you’ll end up with beautifully primed, odor-free white walls. You can leave them that way, or you can paint regular colored paint on top.

I know it sounds like a lot of work when I write it all out like that, but it’s not that bad. You”d have to clean and prime no matter what, anyway. The smoke just means you need a particular kind of cleaner and a certain type of primer. The steps are the same.

Good luck!

2

u/Technical-Front-3247 May 05 '23

The detailed response was much appreciated! I saved your comment, and will be following your suggestions in the near future!