Keep painted walls looking fresh with preventive maintenance and these simple cleaning methods.
You frequently mop your floors andvacuum your rugs, but when was the last time you cleaned the walls?
To preserve that freshly painted look, plan to wipe down your walls regularly.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
However, walls with different paint types and finishes require special care when scrubbing.
How to Clean Painted Walls
The first thing you should consider whenwashing painted wallsis the finish.
Whether the finish is glossy or flat will determine how scrubbing will affect the look of the wall.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Then follow these instructions for cleaning painted walls.
Do not use harsh chemicals or degreasers when cleaning flat painted walls.
When washing with a sponge, be sure not to scrub too hard.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
The sponge should be wrung out almost completely before putting it on the walls.
Step 1: Wipe Walls.Dampen sponge with warm water.
Wring out until almost dry.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Step 2: Dry Walls.Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
It’s OK touse a mild degreaseron glossy kitchen backsplashes or vanity doors.
Step 1: Mix Soap and Water.Add a drop of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
Step 2: Clean Walls.Dampen the sponge in the mixture and wring it out almost completely.
Step 3: Dry Walls.Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 2: Clean Walls.Dip a clean sponge in the mixture, then wring it dry.
Gently rub the wall.
Pay special attention to areas that get touched often, such as around doorknobs and light switches.
Rinse with a second sponge and clear water.
Take care not to wet areas around outlets, light switches, telephone jacks, and other electrical connections.
If scrubbing those spots is necessary,turn off electricityat the circuit breaker box.
How to Clean Walls with Oil-Based Paint
Not all wall stains come out easily.
You might need more than a little water to remedy the situation.
ThisDIY all-purpose cleanercan be used for oil-based painted walls.
Adjust the recipe as needed for the size of your wall or stain.
Step 1: Make Homemade Cleaning Solution.Stir 1 tsp.
of liquid dish soap into a quart of warm water.
Add 1/4 tsp of white vinegar.
For tough stains on painted walls, let the solution sit on the stain for 10 minutes before blotting.
Add 1 ounce of borax to each pint of water to clean the wall.
The sooner you’re able to wash the stain, the better chance you have of removing it.
Luckily, you likely have the best product to clean walls already in your pantry.
Step 2: Apply Mixture to Stain.Gently work the formula into the wall stain.
Wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
The gentle abrasive works especially well on grease wall stains.
Practicing preventive maintenance means less time spent scrubbing walls later.
To help keep walls clean, vacuum painted walls with a soft brush attachment.
Wipe away fingerprints andother marks like sticker residuesoon after they appear.
Avoid using an excessive amount of water when cleaning painted walls to prevent drips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skip the steam when it comes to cleaning water-based painted walls.
Heat can cause latex paint to crack or peel.
A clean surface will result in the best paint job.
Plan on cleaning all your walls once a year.
Spot clean as needed when you see marks or scuffs.
Start by dusting with a microfiber cloth or dust mop.
First, wipe down using a sponge with water and dish soap.
