Throughout our homes, we do a lot of cleaning. You frequently mop your floors and vacuum your rugs, but what about cleaning the walls? If you think about it, this part of the house sees a lot of traffic. Whether you are touching the wall or burning candles, you can expect grime will build up over time. Now, what if you just got a fresh paint job? You’ll want to wait at least two weeks after painting before using any water or cleaner on your walls. Although you can’t stop dirt from building up, you can always extend the life of paint with a few good cleaning habits.
Your first step when cleaning your walls is dusting. Regardless of paint type or sheen, you’ll want to do this step first because if not, you’ll just be moving dirt around your walls and not really be removing it. This can easily be done by running the dust brush attachment of your vacuum over ceilings and walls, then wiping them down with a tack cloth or cheesecloth. After the dust is removed, you can then take a soft cloth or sponge and gently wipe them down in a circular motion using light pressure and mild soapy water. You’ll then want to rinse any soap that might be leftover, so make sure to continuously rinse with a clean, damp cloth. You will also want to dry the walls once finished because even a little moisture can ruin your paint finish.
Removing spots and making touch-ups requires a slightly different process. When it comes to spot cleaning or making touch-ups, it’s always a good idea to test a small area first before diving in to make sure the solution doesn’t damage the paint finish. For spot cleaning, we recommend mixing baking soda and water into a thick paste. All you have to do is gently rub it into the wall using light, circular motions, then rinsing with a damp sponge. This should work on most stains, but if they are harder to remove, then you should try a grease-cutting dishwashing soap mixed in warm water.
As for making touch-ups, it’s always best to use the paint from the original can if you have it. (We can always provide you with some.) It’s important to know what tools were used to paint the wall because you will want to use something similar to get a consistent finish. If the paint was originally brushed on, use a brush. If it was applied with a roller, use a small trim roller. Just apply a small amount of the original paint and gently cover it up with the roll or feather brush.
We hope these tips helped you feel more prepared for your next painting project! At J&S Painting Plus, Inc., we are fully licensed and insured painting contractors, offering the highest standard of quality workmanship for exterior house painting and all your residential painting needs at the most affordable prices. Contact us today via our website for a free quote to get started: http://jandspaintingplus.com/contact-us/
Sources:
https://www.home.crs/ideas/detail/how-to-clean-newly-painted-walls
