CLEANING DISCOLORED OR STAINED WALL COVERING


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

     A.   This procedure includes guidance on cleaning stained or
          discolored wall covering.  Most wall coverings are
          classified as either "non-washable", "washable", or
          "scrubbable".  General procedures for each type are
          included below under Execution.

     B.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
          reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
          cover the following sections:

          1.   Safety Precautions

          2.   Historic Structures Precautions

          3.   Submittals

          4.   Quality Assurance

          5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

          6.   Project/Site Conditions

          7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

          8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

          These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
          this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
          along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
          Preservation Officer (RHPO).


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

     A.   Absorene Manufacturing Co.
          1609 North 14th St.
          St. Louis, MO 63106
          314/231-6355
          
2.02 MATERIALS

     A.   Paste Spot Remover (available in local hardware store,
          home improvement centers, or paint/wallpaper stores)

     B.   Commercial wallpaper cleaner such as "Absorene" - a
          doughy wall cleaner (Absorene Manufacturing Co.)

     C.   Erasers, such as powdered draftsman's pad or Opaline
          pads, or hard vinyls like Staedtler or Art Gum.

     D.   Denatured Alcohol:

          1.   Other chemical or common names include Methylated
               spirit*.

          2.   Potential hazards:  TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.

          3.   Available from hardware store, paint store or
               printer's supply distributor.

          4.   Denatured alcohol should be a satisfactory
               substitute for ethyl alcohol for stain removing
               purposes.

     E.   Mild dish-washing detergent

     F.   Household Bleach:

          1.   An unstable salt produced usually in aqueous
               solution and used as a bleaching and disinfecting
               agent.

          2.   Other chemical or common names include Bleaching
               solution*; Laundry bleach*; Sodium Hypochlorite
               (NaOCl); Solution of chlorinated soda*.

          3.   Potential Hazards:  CORROSIVE TO FLESH.

          4.   Available from chemical supply house, grocery store
               or supermarket, hardware store or janitorial supply
               distributor.

     G.   Blotter/paper towels

2.03 EQUIPMENT

     A.   Sponges

     B.   Putty knife

     C.   Iron

     D.   Buckets

     E.   Clean, soft cloths or towels

     F.   Soft-bristle brush

     G.   Vacuum


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

     NOTE: ALWAYS TEST CLEANING METHODS IN AN INCONSPICUOUS
     LOCATION TO DETERMINE THE SAFEST AND MOST SUITABLE METHOD.

     A.   For Washable Coverings: These usually have a plastic
          coating.

          1.   Wash the surface using a damp sponge and a mild
               dishwashing detergent mixed in cool water; wipe the
               surface from the bottom up; wipe using a circular
               motion in overlapping strokes.

          2.   Pat the surface dry using a soft cloth or towel.

          3.   If a second washing is necessary, allow the wall to
               completely dry before beginning the cleaning
               sequence again.

     B.   For Scrubbable Coverings (usually vinyl or vinyl-
          impregnated paper):

          1.   Scrub the surface using a sponge or soft cloth and
               a foam cleanser or all-purpose detergent.

          2.   Rinse the cleaner from the surface using a clean,
               damp sponge.

          3.   Pat the surface dry using a soft cloth or towel.

     C.   For Fabric Coverings (such as burlap or grass cloth):

          1.   Remove loose dirt using a clean cloth or vacuum.

          2.   Spot clean only using a sponge or soft-bristle
               brush and a mild detergent.  For stubborn spots,
               try adding 2-3 tablespoons of bleach to the
               solution.

          3.   Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean, damp sponge
               or soft cloth and water.

          4.   Pat the surface dry using a soft cloth or towel.

     D.   For Non-washable Coverings: Clean using a commercial
          wallpaper cleaner.  Follow manufacturer's instructions.

     E.   For Stain Removal:

          1.   For Fingerprints, Smudges, and Pencil Marks:

               a.   Rub gently with art gum (or other eraser-type
                    material, or use commercial wallpaper cleaner,
                    following manufacturer's instructions. 

               b.   If paper is washable, marks may be removed
                    using a damp sponge and a solution of mild
                    dishwashing detergent and cool water.

          2.   For Grease Spots:

               a.   Set blotter or paper towels over stain and
                    press with a warm iron.  Grease should be
                    loosened and  absorbed by the towels.

               b.   If stain still remains, apply a paste spot
                    remover and allow to dry; brush off powder
                    from the surface.

               c.   For washable wallpaper, wipe off grease using
                    a sudsy sponge, followed by damp sponge.

          3.   For Crayon Marks:

               a.   Scrape off excess crayon using a putty knife.

               b.   Set blotter or paper towels over stain and
                    press with a warm iron.  Crayon should be
                    loosened and  absorbed by the towels.

               c.   For non-washable papers, apply a paste spot
                    remover and allow to dry.

                    -or-

                    Gently wipe the stained area with denatured
                    alcohol or spot remover.  Use a clean, soft
                    cloth to apply the solvent.

                    NOTE: THESE SOLVENTS ARE FLAMMABLE AND VAPORS
                    ARE TOXIC, SO BE SURE THERE IS NO FLAME,
                    SPARK, OR PILOT LIGHT IN AREA, HAVE PLENTY OF
                    VENTILATION.  USE ONLY ON SMALL SPOTS.

               d.   For washable papers, wipe off crayon using a
                    sudsy sponge followed by a damp sponge and
                    allow to dry.  Try not to smear the residue.

                          END OF SECTION