How to Remove Wall Clay Stains

Sticky clay is a solution for attaching objects to walls in apartments, dorm rooms or places where you are not allowed to use methods that leave a permanent mark. Unfortunately, this product can leave oil stains on the wall. Before you have to accept stains forever, try applying a few methods to deal with them. Try using a citrus cleaner spray or a small amount of dishwashing liquid to clean the stain first. If that doesn’t work, you may want to consider sanding and repainting.

Table of Contents

Use stain remover

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Spray the citrus root solution on the wall. Buy a stain remover spray and spray it on the dirty spot on the wall. Spray just enough or until covered with sticky clay. Try to find a product made with citrus, as it works best for oil-based stains like sticky clay. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Try Magic Eraser if you don’t have a stain remover available. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Test the cleaning product on the wall first before spraying on the stain. If it’s painted walls, the cleaner can wear down the paint. It’s a good idea to test it out first by rubbing a little cleaning product onto an unobtrusive part of the wall, such as the base of the wall. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Use dishwashing liquid

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Pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid the size of a pea into the scouring brush. Pour a small amount of dishwashing gel on the surface of the scouring brush. You can use a large or small brush, as long as it is comfortable to hold to scrub the stain. Brushes are available in the cleaning products section. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

If you don’t have a scouring brush available, you can use a toothbrush to scrub.
To increase the cleaning effect, you should use citrus-flavored dishwashing liquid. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Rub dish soap into the stain with a scouring brush. Hold the scrub brush in small circular motions over the dirt. Depending on the area of the stain, you can scrub in larger circles. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Try rubbing dish soap on a small part of the base of the wall before scrubbing a larger area. If it’s painted walls, you probably don’t want to accidentally damage the paint during the cleaning process. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Use a damp cloth to wipe off the soap. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any remaining soap. If you let the soap sit on the wall for a long time, the paint on the wall can become discolored. Remember to use a damp cloth to wipe off the soap and dry the wall before you leave. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Sanding and repainting

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Use fine sandpaper to scrub the stained area. Use sandpaper or a fine sanding block to sand down the stained area. The surface of the sticky clay stain is sanded flat to make it easier to repaint. Use a baby towel or wet tissue to wipe the dust off the wall. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If the stain is on top, you’ll need to use a long-handled sander to scrub it.
Choose 120 grit or finer sandpaper. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Apply a coat of primer over the stain with a small paint roller or paint brush. Use a paint brush or paint roller to paint in short, smooth strokes. Paint the primer coat wider than the stain. If you don’t have a primer, ask your home improvement store which product is best for your walls. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Rub the primer with fine sandpaper after the paint has dried. Wait for the primer to dry and sand it flat with sandpaper. Primer helps smooth the surface of the wall before painting, so it should be as clean as possible. Use a wet baby wipe or damp cloth to wipe off dust before proceeding. ^{[14] X Research Source}

If you are unsure, you should check the primer product label to see how long it will take for the paint to dry.
Use sandpaper of the same fineness as the step above.

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Apply a thin coat of paint over the area being treated with a small paintbrush or paint roller. Use paint of the same color as the wall to paint over the primed area that has been sanded. Paint with long, even strokes. Since it’s just a repaint, you don’t need a big paintbrush. ^{[15] X Research Source}

There are paint brushes that are suitable for a certain type of paint. If using oil-based paint, use a paint brush with natural fibers. If using water- or latex-based paint, choose a synthetic brush. ^{[16] X Research Source}
You can use any leftover paint you have available.

Things you need

Use stain remover

Stain remover spray (citrus base)
Tissue
Microfiber towels

Use dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing liquid
Cleaning brush
Toothbrush (optional)
Wiper

Sanding and repainting

Fine sandpaper
primer
Paint brush or paint roller
Paint

Warning

Follow all warnings on the cleaning solution label.

Steps

Use stain remover

Use dishwashing liquid

Sanding and repainting

Things you need

Use stain remover

Use dishwashing liquid

Sanding and repainting

Warning

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