How To Wash Your Walls Without Damaging Your Paint

Cleaning your walls most certainly isn’t rocket science, but you do need to have either some experience or some tricks up your sleeve to get it done without ruining your paint job.

Luckily, those tricks aren’t too complicated, and we’ve listed them for you below.

All you have to do is follow the guidance of your trusted local painter, and you can prolong the state of your walls between paintings.

If Your Paint Is Latex-Based

The first thing you need to know is that there are a couple of different types of paint, and they each need different treatments.

Once they’re on your wall, it’s hard to tell which is which, so hopefully you still have the paint can, or you painted it yourself and happen to remember.

If you’re new to your home and you’re unsure as to whether the paint is latex or oil-based, it’s safe to assume they used latex paint in the bedroom or living room.

Most painters will recommend this because latex isn’t as durable as oil-based paint, so it’s reserved for the areas of the house that have less traffic and are less likely to sustain daily wear and tear.

Use A Moist Sponge

Sponges can hold a lot of water, but this is one of the times you don’t want it to.

Excess water in the cleaning process can lead to streaks and drips that are very noticeable on a latex-based wall.

Instead, wring that sponge out until it’s practically dry – the latent moisture in the sponge is all you need to clean your wall.

If the damp sponge itself doesn’t get rid of the dirt, try adding a few drops of dish detergent, and continue to wipe gently.

Keep It Simple

Dish detergent is especially good on grease marks, which can otherwise be difficult to lift.

Another option is some white vinegar cut with water – nothing fancy.

Some cleaners contain solutions or chemicals that can strip your paint, which is why you want to keep it as simple as possible when cleaning your walls.

Use as little soap or vinegar solution as possible, and be sure to wipe it off well.

If Your Paint Is Oil-Based

Most homes have the more durable oil-based paint in hallways, in kitchens and in bathrooms.

Some of these spaces lead to significant cleanliness issues; think of pasta sauce in the kitchen or mud in the front hall.

Once again, you want to try to wipe down these messes as soon as possible so you don’t have to scrub harder than needed to get them off.

There are a couple of important tips for oil-based wall paint, which we’ve included below.

Use Undyed Cloths

You may remember from the last time you bought towels, but freshly-purchased fabric can leach dye, and stain other fabrics or surfaces they come into contact with.

If you’ve just bought new cloths or towels that you’re using to clean your walls, stop immediately.

Oil-based paint can absorb some of the colour from dyed cloth, leaving unsightly patches.

Instead, use either undyed cloth or use a rag that has been washed many times and is not leeching any more colour.

Don’t Use Abrasive Cloths

Abrasive cloths are the worst possible choice for a painted wall, no matter what the finish, but it’s especially true for oil-based wall paint.

Even if you have a tough stain or spot, and you’re tempted to try to just scrub it out, this should never be an option you turn to.

Abrasive cloths or scrubbers will scrape strips of paint straight off your wall, and leaving you with a patch whose finish is completely ruined.

Microfiber cloths are great tools for wall cleaning, as they gently lift off spills and marks without leaving a trace.

Other options are soft rags or sponges.

Call London Painting

London Painting is your local professional painting company, here to help you make your home look like new again.

Call to book an appointment, especially if your paint job is over five years old – you might be surprised how affordable it can be to give your home a bit of a face lift.

A new paint job in your home makes it look like a million bucks again – call now to get an estimate.

Got a painting project in mind? Give us Call

We’ll arrange for a free on site estimate for any interior or exterior painting needs you have.

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