There are many types of wall surfaces.  However, all of these surfaces can be divided into two basic categories - Porous and non-Porous.

Porous wall surfaces: (absorb liquids)

•  Unpainted wall board (sheet rock)

•  Painted wall board (flat paint) open-face brick

•  Stucco

•  Carpeted

•  Cinder or cement block

•  Wood and wood paneling

•  Cork

Non-porous surfaces: (do not readily absorb liquids)

•  Painted wall board (enamel, semi-gloss), do not over wet.

•  Painted plaster

•  Waltex, vinyl

•  Plastic paneling

•  Vinyl wallpaper

•  Glazed brick

•  Ceramic

•  Metal paneling

•  Terrazzo/marble

Soiling - Soil is transferred to walls by two primary methods.  The first is through transfer of soil by hands, clothing, etc. The second soiling mechanism is through atmospheric soil.  Atmospheric soil becomes attached to wall surfaces and remains there because of the oily, sticky nature of the film surrounding the soil particle.  This causes it to cling to the surface.  This oil cannot be removed by wiping with a dry cloth.  Some wall surfaces such as those covered with flat paint, and some wallpaper contains natural irregularities and pits, cause atmospheric soil to dry on or attach itself more firmly to the wall surface.  Dirty walls are more than unsightly; they cause illumination problems since walls reflect light.  A dirty surface does not provide the reflection to maximize the natural and artificial light entering an area.  Studies indicate reduced worker productivity occurs in environments, which are light deficient.

Soil Removal - The soils described above can be removed from washable (non-porous) surfaces by a process known as emulsification.  Emulsification is the suspension of soil in water in such a manner to remove it from the wall surface, allowing the soil to be absorbed and wiped away.        Soil removal from porous surfaces is a more difficult task than from non-porous surfaces since excessive amounts of water or abrasive action can destroy the wall surface.  Because of this, most facilities choose to repaint porous surfaces rather than attempt conventional cleaning methods.

There are two methods generally used to clean porous surfaces.  All wall surfaces should be pretested in an inconspicuous place to determine the porosity of the wall and the reaction of the cleaning product on the wall surface.  In addition, never use degreasers on wallboard or sheetrock; it will turn them brown.

•  The first method is the use of a chemically treated sponge.  This sponge cleans through absorption, a process by which gases, liquids or solutions are soaked up.  The chemical sponge is simply wiped across the porous surface to remove imbedded soil.  The effectiveness of this method can meet with mixed results depending upon the surface and soils being removed. 

•  The second method used to clean porous surfaces is with the use of ceiling cleaning chemicals.  A specialized enzyme/detergent based chemical is applied to the wall surface. This enzyme/detergent will break up complex dirt molecules and loosen them from the wall surface.  The "broken" dirt molecules later fall from the wall as dry soil and are cleaned up through normal vacuuming, dust mopping, and dusting procedures. 

Wall Cleaning Kit Procedures – Is used to remove soil from areas on walls without the use of ladders or scaffolding.  The use of the wall cleaning kit tools also makes wall cleaning a less fatiguing task than hand washing the wall. 

•   Pretest to determine proper dilution rates.  Mix a Wall Cleaner solution in mop bucket at successful pretest dilution rate. Prepare a second mop bucket with rinse water.

•   Place "Floor Caution" signs where necessary to protect from slipping hazard.

•   Place walk-off mats in areas to be used to wipe feet and position equipment.

•   Place metal basket inserts into wash and rinse bucket wringers.

•   Pre-soak one wall-washing pad in cleaning solution and one in the rinse solution. Wring both out moderately.

•   Slide drip absorber collars onto wall wash handle to within 6" of pad frame.  This device will prevent solution from running down handle.  Do not immerse absorber into solution!

•   Mentally section of the wall area in approximately 5' wide sections.

•   Place the wall washing head at the bottom point where the cleaning of the first section begins.  Move the wall washing head in a side-to-side motion, moving slowly up the wall. Overlap each pass until the ceiling is reached.

•   Return to the bucket containing cleaning solution when the wall-washing pad begins to drag, or as necessary to ensure thorough cleaning.

•  Rinse the wall using the rinse wall washing pad and clean rinse water.

•  Move the wall washing rinse pad in a side-to-side or vertical motion across the top of the wall that has just been cleaned.  Continue this procedure, returning to the rinse solution when the rinse pad begins to drag, until the original wash beginning point has been reached.

•  Repeat the above procedure until all sections have been cleaned. Reposition "Floor Caution" signs and buckets as necessary so that they are convenient and functional.

•  Change cleaning solution and rinse water as necessary.

•  If a second cleaning is necessary, repeat the above procedure.

•  Mop up any spills with rinse water.

•  When performing wall washing, make adjustments to accommodate the size of the wall to be cleaned and rinsed.  Doors, ledges, trim, etc., will have to hand cleaned and rinsed.  The side-to-side motion may be slightly modified to an up and down motion for leverage purposes.