How to Clean Smoke off the Walls in Mobile Homes

Mobile home walls are not impervious to the oily, residue that smoke leaves behind. Cigarettes, fireplaces, candles and cooking can all leave a layer of smoke residue on your walls. This layer--typically a yellowish or black discoloration--will make your walls appear dull and dingy. Fortunately, you can remove the smoke and restore the look of your walls with a few common household items.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mop
• 5-gallon bucket
• 1 cup ammonia
• 1/4 cup liquid dish soap
• Wooden spoon
• Sponge mop
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Remove mirrors, pictures, curtains and other wall decorations. Set these items in a safe location during the cleaning process. Wipe the walls clean of dust and cobwebs with a dust mop.

2. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with 3 gallons water, 1 cup ammonia and 1/4 cup liquid dish soap. Mix the contents together with a wooden spoon.

3. Dip a sponge mop in the bucket. Hold the sponge mop over the bucket and wring out the excess liquid. Begin at the bottom of the walls and scrub them clean with the sponge mop. Do not let the walls become oversaturated with the mixture.

4. Scrub while working upward until you have removed the smoke from the mobile home walls. Rinse the mixture off the walls with a clean cloth dampened in cool water. Let the walls air-dry.

References

• University of Florida Cooperative Extension: Handling Smoke Damage after a Fire--Getting Soot and Smoke Out
• Merry Maids: Cleaning Tips
• Mrs. Clean: Easy Ways to Remove Stains