How to get dried mucus off painted walls without ruining the paint

What the numbers show

Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count

• The most recent one is from November 2026.
• This comes up 18.2× more often in r/CleaningTips than across the site as a whole.

1. 1
   Spraying with degreaser or dawn/vinegar mixture and scrubbing with a sponge

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2. 2
   Using a drywall spatula to scrape the residue off

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3. 3
   Applying dissolved Tide powder in hot water

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4. 4
   Plastering a wet paper towel soaked in cleaning solution to keep moisture from evaporating

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5. 5
   Using an enzymatic cleaner to break down proteins

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6. 6
   Using a damp cloth with dish soap

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7. 7
   Spraying diluted cleaning vinegar and wiping with a cloth-wrapped Swiffer

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8. 8
   Using a flat floor mop to reach walls without a ladder

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9. 9
   Wiping dirty spots with a mop while cleaning floors

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10. 10
    Washing curtains and changing bedsheets instead of washing walls

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11. 11
    Trying a brush on a small section

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12. 12
    Using cleaning spray and a toothbrush

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13. 13
    Using a swiffer

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14. 14
    Using Goo Gone

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15. 15
    Applying coconut oil thickly and leaving it on overnight

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16. 16
    Rinse the wall again with plain water

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17. 17
    Clean it again with the soap and then do two passes with plain water

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18. 18
    Repaint the wall

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19. 19
    scraping with water and elbow grease

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20. 20
    applying a level 5 finish or skim coat

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21. 21
    Using a steam mop to loosen it

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22. 22
    Using a very hot cloth on a stick to loosen it

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23. 23
    Using a broom with a wet cloth

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24. 24
    Using warm water with a couple drops of dish soap instead of abrasive pads

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25. 25
    Repainting walls with satin, eggshell, or semigloss sheen

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26. 26
    Wiping away mould with hot soapy water

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27. 27
    Waiting a day or two to see if the wall dries out

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28. 28
    Checking the shower area for new caulk or obvious leaks

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29. 29
    Looking and listening for water near the area after running the shower

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30. 30
    Scraping the paint flakes off the floor manually

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31. 31
    Using a magic eraser to test and remove surface soot

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32. 32
    Wiping down surfaces with a wet white towel or mop

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33. 33
    Washing with TSP (trisodium phosphate) before priming and painting

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34. 34
    Testing a hidden corner with a damp microfiber and a drop of dish soap

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35. 35
    Priming the spot with an oil or shellac-based stain blocker and repainting the wall

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36. 36
    Washing the area gently with diluted dish soap and water

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37. 37
    Using a white vinegar and water spray on a cloth

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38. 38
    Covering the stain with a larger piece of art or a wall calendar

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39. 39
    Applying peel and stick wallpaper to hide the area

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40. 40
    Priming and painting over the specific rectangle

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41. 41
    Using rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer on a cotton pad

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42. 42
    Gently scrubbing with a Magic Eraser and water

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43. 43
    Washing the area with a rag, warm water, and dish soap

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44. 44
    Applying a layer of primer and painting over the door entirely

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45. 45
    Spraying the wall with isopropyl alcohol and letting it naturally evaporate.

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46. 46
    Using a steam cleaner to disinfect without harsh wiping.

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47. 47
    Washing the walls periodically with a warm damp cloth or melamine sponges.

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48. 48
    Leaving the dirt spots alone as a sentimental reminder of the pet.

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In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.