Home Improvement
How To Clean Painted Walls
Did you know that 88% of people have a more extraordinary passion for being at home after painting an interior room?
Painting a room provides a unique opportunity to change its mood and feel the warm glow of a new color. But sometimes paint cans can get drippy or splattery and leave unsightly streaks on a wall.
Easy-clean surfaces, like tile or an oil-rubbed bronze appliance, are less of a headache to return to their original shine. But painted walls can look a little more beat up after years of foot traffic, children and pets.
So what’s the secret to a speedy wall-cleaning makeover? Read and learn more about how to clean painted walls.
Start With a Gentle Solution
Start with a gentle solution! Make a mixture of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap for everyday cleaning, and gently clean the walls with a soft cloth. Work in small sections and rinse the fabric quickly and often.
If a more powerful cleaner is needed, mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water. This mixture will help remove most fingerprints, dust, and dirt. Use a thicker cloth to apply the mixture and scrub the walls in a circular motion, beginning at the top and working your way down.
Rinse the cleanser off with clean water, drying with a soft cloth. You can keep painted walls looking their best with a gentle solution and patience. To learn more about painted wall cleaning and maintenance advice, click here.
Tackle Stubborn Spots With Care
When tackling stubborn spots on painted walls, avoid damaging the paint. Start with the gentlest option, such as spot cleaning with a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution. Test the detergent in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the paint.
If the spot persists, use a soft plastic bristle brush on the site. Increase the detergent solution as needed, working gently and avoiding excessive scrubbing to prevent scratching or peeling of the paint.
For persistent grease spots, or heavy dirt and grime, try using a commercial spot cleaner explicitly designed for painted surfaces; however, read the warning labels and follow the safety precautions.
Additionally, if this method proves ineffective, you may need to spot-prime and repaint that area of the wall.
Don’t Forget the Corners and Edges
When cleaning painted walls, it’s important to remember not to skimp on the corners and edges. Start using a broom to remove dust and cobwebs from the walls and corners. After that, you’ll want to use a mild, non-abrasive detergent to lightly clean any smudges, stains, or dirt that may have accumulated over time.
You’ll want to take a damp sponge, wipe it in a circular motion over the painted walls, and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing off the detergent. Don’t forget those corners and edges, though! Use a bristled scrub brush to get into the cracks and crevices of all the corners and edges, paying particular attention to any hard-to-reach spots.
Understanding How to Clean Painted Walls
To achieve sparkling clean painted walls, a simple combination of soap, water, and a gentle brush or cloth will do the trick. Properly cleaning and knowing how to clean painted walls regularly will not only extend the life of your paint but will also keep your home looking and feeling fresh.
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Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
