Maintenance of walls consists of: cleaning glass, flat or formed steel and wood; painting wood and steel; sandblasting block, brick or concrete; tuckpointing mortar joints in brick and block; and repairing or replacing damaged glass, plastic, steel, or masonry sections.
The best solution for cleaning walls is mild soap and warm water, as the soap will work hard to remove grime without harming the painted surfaces. If you have tougher stains or built-on dirt, you can scrub away these imperfections using a mix of baking soda and water, which acts as a natural, mild stain remover.
Design experts say you should clean the walls at least once a year. But this can change depending on how fast your walls become dirty. There are lots of factors that impact the state of your home's walls. For example, you might have to clean the walls every two months or so if you have pets and children.
no, they absolutely are difficult and high maintenance. it's like 1000 potted plants, mounted vertically, with a complex structural and irrigation system behind it. often indoors, in low light, or in super visible locations and planted with exotics that might have pretty specific requirements.
So, how long will a living wall last? Under a maintenance contract, a living wall will stay healthy for as long as you like. Think of it like a garden, if it's well-cared for, it will continue to flourish in full health year after year.
Water & Irrigation
Of course, the number one thing living walls need is water—and an irrigation system is the best way to keep your plants hydrated and alive. It's also important that you not overwater your plants as it can be just as harmful as underwatering—or worse.
Wall dirt makes it difficult for paint to stick to the surface, so make sure your wall is spotless before you start painting.
The best way to clean your walls is to use a mixture of white vinegar (1/2 cup) and warm water (2 cups), and you can add a few drops of liquid dish soap for a deeper clean if your walls are very dirty or stained. For wood walls, add 2 tablespoons of lemon oil or an oil soap to the mix.
Soft washing can save you thousands of dollars (approx. $500) than you would spend if you consider painting (nearly costs $30,000). Soft washing uses only water and the cleaning solution applied to the surface and materials of your house is clean and good looking.
Step 1 Add about ⅛ cup of your favorite Pine-Sol® scent to a gallon of water. Step 2 Dip a sponge, rag or cloth in the mixture and wring out until it's lightly damp. Then, start wiping down the walls from top to bottom, using Pine-Sol® at its full strength on stubborn marks. Step 3 Wipe down the walls with water.
Remove dirt and dust to keep your walls clean. Check for damages – this could be mold, termites, or unusually wide or diagonal cracks. Repaint old, shabby walls that could use a fresh coat of paint.
An all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid is the best cleaner for painted walls. Use only a small amount—about one teaspoon per quart of warm water - and mix a fresh solution as the solution becomes soiled.
Generally, it's best to spot clean walls once a month (or as needed) and deep clean them once a year. When spot cleaning, be sure to hit high-traffic areas and check for hand prints, scuffs, scratches, and splashes, says Becky Rapinchuk, a cleaning expert and author of Simply Clean and The Organically Clean Home.
Fill a bucket with a gallon of hot water and a few squirts of dish soap or a cup of vinegar. Use a microfiber cloth and soapy water to wipe down the baseboards. Only work on one small section at a time. Once that section is clean, dry it with a new cloth, and then continue cleaning along the wall.
Flat, eggshell or stain finishes is less durable and more likely to rub off. Try not to scrub too hard or wash with too abrasive a cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals and use a mix of mild detergent and water. Semigloss or glossy finishes, popular on kitchen walls are durable enough to stand up to degreasing cleaners.
“It's a good idea to dust the walls to remove any loose dirt or cobwebs. You can use a duster or a soft cloth for this step,” Carpenter suggests. Prepare the cleaning solution. Start by filling your bucket with warm water and adding the Dawn dish soap.
Exterior walls face constant exposure to the elements. Look for signs of wear such as cracks, peeling paint, or water stains. Addressing these early can prevent water intrusion and more extensive damage. Repainting and sealing cracks are effective ways to maintain the integrity of your walls.