Are you someone who cleans their floors and vacuums their carpets but forgets to clean the walls? Well, it’s time to give some love to those walls!
We often lean on and touch the walls every day, so it’s just as important to clean them as it is to clean other surfaces in the home.
After all, over time, painted walls can accumulate stains, marks, scuff marks, and dust, making them look dull and dirty.
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Let’s find out how to clean walls without removing the paint, so we can preserve that freshly painted look!
To keep your walls looking fresh, it’s essential to clean them regularly.
However, different types and finishes of paint require special care when scrubbing.
Before adding this task to your complete house cleaning schedule, let’s dive into some tips on how to clean walls without damaging the paint.
Cleaning Walls: Types of Paint Finishes
When it comes to washing painted walls, the first thing to keep in mind is the finish.
Whether it’s glossy or flat, the type of finish will play a role in how scrubbing will impact the wall’s appearance.
There are several types of paint finishes. Let’s see some examples:
Flat or Matte
This paint has a finish that doesn’t reflect light, giving it a charmingly dull and chalky appearance.
However, it’s important to note that flat paint doesn’t fare well when it comes to scrubbing.
So, if you’re cleaning walls with a matte finish, make sure to take extra care and handle them gently.
Semigloss
This paint finish is not only more durable, but also has a delightful sheen that surpasses satin finishes.
You won’t have to worry about the semigloss paint wearing down easily, even with regular cleaning.
Oil-based paints
This magical paint concocts a tough coating that is unbelievably long-lasting and impervious to stains.
People typically turn to this marvelous paint for their trim and molding needs. It’s the secret weapon that adds a touch of elegance and protection to any space.
How to Clean Walls with Matte Paint
Dull paint finishes like flat, satin, and eggshell are not as tough when it comes to cleaning.
So, it’s essential to avoid using strong chemicals or degreasers on flat-painted walls.
When washing with a sponge, remember to be gentle and not scrub too hard. Before applying the sponge to the walls, make sure it’s almost completely wrung out.
Wipe Walls: Steps
1. Drench the sponge in pleasantly warm water.
2. Squeeze it firmly until just a hint of moisture remains.
3. Lovingly caress the walls with gentle motions.
Dry Walls
Dry those walls down with a soft and gentle touch using a magical dry microfiber cloth.
Let it dance across the surface, whisking away any dirt and grime that may have taken up residence. With every stroke, your walls will be left looking fresh, clean, and oh-so-beautiful.
So go ahead, give those walls a little TLC, and watch as they sparkle and shine like never before.
How to Clean Walls with Semigloss Paint
Because these paints are super tough, they’re usually found in busy areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Don’t worry, it’s totally fine to break out a gentle degreaser when dealing with shiny kitchen backsplashes or vanity doors.
But hey, even though glossy and semigloss paint holds up well, it’s not invincible. So make sure to pamper your walls with a soft sponge when it’s cleaning time.
Follow these steps for proper cleaning:
1. Add a tiny splash of dish soap into a cozy bowl of warm water and give it a good swirl. Watch as the two come together in a delightful dance of bubbles and suds.
2. Dive the sponge into the magical mixture and give it a gentle squeeze, just enough to release the excess. With a tender touch, caress the walls, wiping away any imperfections.
3. Dry walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Walls with Oil-Based Paint
Some wall stains can be quite stubborn, requiring more than just a splash of water to tackle.
But fear not! This amazing DIY all-purpose cleaner is here to save the day, specifically designed for oil-based painted walls.
And the best part? You can easily adjust the recipe to match the size of your wall or stain. Cleanliness has never been this effortless and customizable!
Step 1: Creating Your Own Homemade Cleaning Solution
Mixing up a concoction of cleaning power is as easy as a breeze!
Simply stir 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap into a quart of warm water. For an extra touch of sparkle, add 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar.
You’re ready to tackle any cleaning task with a smile on your face!
Step 2: Clean Walls
Apply the mixture to a sponge or microfiber cloth, and squeeze it until it is slightly damp.
Then, gently clean your walls with it. If you come across stubborn stains on painted walls, let the solution sit on the stain for 10 minutes before absorbing it.
And here’s a great tip: to avoid any color transfer, make sure to use a microfiber cloth.
Step 3: Dry Walls
Wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Walls
Keeping a fresh look on your walls is as easy as keeping them dust-free and stain-free.
By practicing preventive maintenance, you can save yourself the trouble of scrubbing the walls for hours on end.
To ensure clean walls, start by vacuuming them with a soft brush. Then, gently wipe them down with a broom or mop covered with a cloth.
For optimal results, you can spray a cleaning agent before wiping or use an electrostatic cleaning cloth.
And remember, when cleaning painted walls, be careful not to use excessive amounts of water to avoid drips.
With these simple tips, you can effortlessly maintain the impeccable appearance of your walls.
Say goodbye to tedious cleaning sessions and welcome beautiful walls that stay in their best condition.
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