Do you feel the wall colour of your house is appearing dull? Are you thinking of painting the house? Well, you can make the walls shine again by deep cleaning them. However, if the cleaning process is too intense, the paint on walls may get damaged. Check out this guide to know how to clean painted walls without damaging them.
See also: How to clean glass shower doors?
Type of paints to be cleaned
Before starting the deep cleaning process, identify the type of paint applied on walls.
- If the wall has a flat or satin finish, then if you scrub hard, there is a chance that the paint may get damaged. In such case, ensure that you are not using harsh cleaners and not scrubbing it too hard. In such cases, very mild liquid detergent with water should be used.
- If your wall has a glossy finish, you may opt for a slightly tough cleaner as it has scratches.
- If you have used latex paints on your walls, these can be cleaned effectively with soap and warm water.
Prepare for wall cleaning
- Before starting the cleaning process, remove all décor pieces like potted plants, lamps, side tables, wall hangings, and paintings, or frames from the wall. If you have light bulbs fittings or fancy lamp shades on the wall, remove them so that they don’t get damaged during the cleaning process.
- Next, brush the entire wall with a broom to remove all dust particles, insects etc. While cleaning the walls, place newspapers or old rag clothes on the floor so that it doesn’t get dirty.
Cleaning walls: Process
- Take a small bucket filled with a solution of mild detergent and water. Avoid detergents with dark colours as they may leave stains. Avoid detergents with bleach as they may damage the wall paint.
- Wear protective gloves and start by testing the solution on a small portion of the wall at the corner (not visible generally) to ensure that the solution is not too hard and do not damage the walls.
- Spread the soap solution on the walls in a circular motion.
- Apply a soft rub on the walls, using a sponge to remove the dirt from the surface.
- Once done, take another bucket with clean water and wash the mild detergent from the wall.
How to clean stains from walls?
- It is always recommended to clean stains immediately as soon as you find them as longer, they stay, the tougher it becomes to remove them.
- To remove a stain, you can apply a mild soap solution on the stained portion and scrub it with a sponge.
- A mixture of baking soda and water can be applied on the stained area. Scrub it gently to remove the stain and clean with water.
- If the stain doesn’t go, try using a chemical-based cleaner that is not toxic or hard. Next, clean the entire wall with water.
- If you still find stains on the wall, it is recommended to give a quick touch up with paint. You may use a paint roller for a fast and neat job.
How to clean wall tiles?
- If you have tiles on walls, they are bound to get yellowish with stains. Use a solution of water and white vinegar in equal quantities to clean the tiles.
- Clean the tiles with the solution and leave them for some time and wipe them with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth.
FAQs
How soon can I wash the walls after it gets painted?
A newly painted wall should be completely dry before its first wash. It is recommended to wash them only after three-four weeks of painting.
What is the best time to clean walls?
A warm sunny day is the best time to clean walls with soap and water as it may dry faster owing to weather conditions.
What is the best thing to clean painted walls?
To remove stains from painted walls, a solution of baking soda with water will work the best.
What is the best way to clean walls without removing the paint?
If you have latex-based paint on your wall, you can use a solution of detergent with warm water or vinegar to clean the walls.
Can I use a mop to clean my walls?
Yes, you can use a microfiber mop to clean your walls.
How to remove pencil marks from walls?
You can use an eraser to remove pencil marks from the wall. First test the eraser on a small corner of the wall to ensure that it doesn’t rub the paint. Alternatively, you can also spread non-gel white toothpaste on pencil marks and wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
How to clean permanent markers from walls?
You can remove the permanent markers from walls by rubbing alcohol. Before using it directly on the portion, first test if it works well and then proceed.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
