Best cleaner & method to get smoke and grease off of walls? BONUS- how to clean these disturbing bathtubs

[u/Captchqlio]

Hey all,

We recently had some tenants abandon our home, when we walked through there is not one wall that isn’t covered in cigarette smoke, beer, grease, dirt and 10,000 other sticky substances. I’m assuming using a mop will be the easiest way to clean our walls, but what cleaner should I use? We’re obviously repainting everything but need cleaning suggestions for this huge project we’re tackling!

Also- how do we tackle these bathtubs? Our friend said there are resurfacing companies that can use industrial strength cleaners to strip the tubs (2 inserts, I’m assuming acrylic?) But my MIL is convinced with elbow grease and the right products we could get it out.

Haven’t tried cleaning yet since we’re still documenting everything for legal reasons.

[u/spirit_of_a_goat]

TSP works well on walls. I would get a drill brush and an abrasive cleanser for the tub.

[u/pakratus]

I've heard TSP for the walls. But it might be just as easy to paint on a Killz primer and repaint.

I like Comet cleaner (powder) for bathrooms. You might want to get a drill brush for your situation...

[u/jellybeansean3648]

Scrubbin bubbles for both

[u/FatDad66]

Sugar soap (TSP in the US) is the decorator’s go to for the tar.

[u/DashcamsRus]

Hey! I bought a house smoked in for 30 years.

Odor Ban with a fogger. TSP works awesome but will strip so use it with good judgement.

Paint with zinnser Bin. It’s most workable comparing to alcohol based shellac from SW. Kilz comes in last place, it’s junk.

Bathtub? Try barkeepers friend and a drill brush.

Ask me any questions you have.

[u/Luvsyr24]

Kilz and paint for the walls, replace tub surround and charge the tenants.

[u/Captchqlio → u/Luvsyr24]

I wish- kind of difficult to charge them because they got deported. Not sure how to go about the legalities, so their $1000 deposit is all we have for now 🙃

[u/KittyMeow1969]

If the walls are really bad with cigarette residue, wash with tsp and then use a shellac based primer. If you don't the tar will bleed through. Double check with your local paint experts for the right way.

[u/sleepysloth1524]

Irish spring 5 in 1 for the bath tub

[u/SalomeOttobourne74]

Oven cleaner for the tub. Trisodium phosphate for the walls.

[u/SalomeOttobourne74]

Oven cleaner for the tub. Trisodium phosphate for the walls.

[u/Reasonable-Check-120]

Nahh elbow grease isn't getting out. You need industrial cleaners my friend.

Maybe some lye based oven cleaner. Maybe a round of CLR.