Scuffs. Stains. Spills. They happen so frequently, it’s no wonder they have your painted walls looking worse for wear. You want your painted walls to look their best—not only because of the money you put into them but also because the walls are the first thing people see.
You vacuum your floors, dust your surfaces, and clean the sinks. But when was the last time you cleaned your painted walls? It’s likely that the answer is never.
You could wait until someone scuffs or spills on your walls, but if you do that it means the problem will only get worse. When something accidentally comes into contact with painted walls, deal with it right away.
Scuff marks and spills are easy to remove from painted walls without stripping down all the paint. The key is to act quickly so that you have time to clean them before they can set in. Even old stains caused by pets and other daily activities should be taken care of as soon as possible for best results.
Most people assume their best option is to go out and buy a gallon of wall paint because all they see are scuffs and stains. If only there were another way…
How to Clean Painted Walls
First, you want to consider the finish of the paint. You will use different tactics whether matte, glossy, or flat. Certain tactics and scrubbing will change the look of the paint finish.
1) Cleaning Walls with Flat Paint
Flat, satin, or eggshell have a dull finish and are less durable when cleaning. If you use a cleaner that has any kind of chemical cleaner, then the wall will lose its finish.
However, cleaning your walls with just soap and water works just fine. For flat paint surfaces, it’s best to remove all organic matter on the paint before trying to clean them with just soap and water.
2) Cleaning Walls with Semi or Glossy Paint
Typically, semigloss and glossy paints are used in areas like the kitchen or bathroom. This is because they are durable enough to last in high-impact areas.
Since this finish is more durable than flat, it is ok to use a mild degreaser. However, it is important to use a soft sponge so as to not scratch the finish.
3) Cleaning Walls with Latex Paint
Latex paints are the most common paint to find in homes. Overall, they are easy-to-use paint solutions which require minimal preparation before painting.
However, it is best to avoid cleaners with acid or petroleum solvents when cleaning them because these will thin the latex finish. Using a nonabrasive cleaner, you can use a soft sponge to lightly rub away the stains.
Other Tips for Cleaning Painted Walls
Acting fast is your best option to combat stains. The sooner you are able to take a stain off the wall, my more luck you have with it being erased entirely.
If you are not sure which products to use for your paint finish, then we have a simple solution with common household items. Take a few tablespoons of baking soda and mix with warm water. A paste will form, which you work into the stain. Then, wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
Vinegar is another household item that can be used to remove stains; simply soak a paper towel or cotton ball in vinegar and apply directly to the stain. Some people find that the smell of vinegar is too strong, so if this poses an issue for you, use lemon juice instead.
