When you think of cleaning your home, it’s the horizontal surfaces that come to mind. We all clean the floors and countertops pretty diligently. The walls are often an afterthought, but they can get pretty dirty as well over time. Scuff marks, fingerprints, and pet smudges can all make your walls look drab and dreary. Here’s how to make them shine like new again.
Preventative Maintenance
One of the best ways to “clean” your walls is to keep them from getting too dirty in the first place. You can dust them using your vacuum cleaner. The soft brush attachment should do the trick. Afterwards, you can go at them with a cloth or a mop with some household cleaner. You should also try to clean messes as they occur. So as soon as you notice a fingerprint…get rid of it!
Latex Paint Cleaning
Before cleaning any painted wall, use the above suggestions to get the dust off it. For latex paint, use a sponge dipped in a combination of an all-purpose cleaner and warm water. Rub the wall gently, and watch the oil and grime disappear. Make sure to use a cleaner that is non-abrasive. If you are having trouble with a dirty spot, you can try baking soda and water for some extra cleaning power.
OIl Based Paint Cleaning
For walls painted with an oil-based paint, you can use a similar method. However, instead of an all-purpose cleaner, you may want to use half water and half white vinegar. The sponge should be damp, but not soaked completely.
Flat Paint Cleaning
Walls painted in flat paint are the most difficult to clean. Flat paint is porous, so dirt gets into the indents and sticks like crazy. The longer you leave those dirty spots, the harder it will be to clean. First try a simple clean rag and warm water. If that does not work, then move on to a product like a magic eraser. If that is not successful, try a foam cleanser. They can damage the paint, however, so test it first. Finally, if you need maximum cleaning power, try 1 cup of ammonia, ¼ cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of vinegar. Hopefully this will do the trick.
Get your walls shiny and attractive by using these wall cleaning techniques.
Edina Painting can help you select the best option for your home and can deliver a professional paint job to help your home look elegant for years to come. Contact us online or call us at 612-987-4010.
