How to clean painted walls
Even if you’re all about keeping your space neat and tidy, there may be spots you’re forgetting to take care of time after time. The spots we’re talking about are none other than the walls. They’re easy to neglect, because they’re not the first place you think of when it’s time to clean. Yet, after a while, your formerly bright walls might start to look dull. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can keep your walls looking their best. By following the easy techniques below, you can ensure your home is as clean as can be!
Vacuuming. Just as you might vacuum your floor and furniture every week, so too should you regularly vacuum your walls. This is because dust doesn’t always land on the floor; sometimes it sticks to the walls, and it’s just as unsightly. Use one of the soft brush attachments so that you don’t create unwanted marks on your walls, and move from top to bottom. Doing this on a regular basis makes deeper cleaning easier when the time comes to do so.
Wiping. This is another technique you should use on a regular basis. With a cloth, mop, or dusting wipe, move from the top of the wall to the bottom to make sure that anything that wasn’t picked up by the vacuum is taken care of. If you are using a cloth and can’t reach the top of the wall, attach it to a broom with a few rubber bands. For extra thoroughness bonus points, use a dusting spray.
Washing walls that have latex paint. Creating a wall-washing solution isn’t hard– you can use a few drops of dish detergent or white vinegar in some warm water. Grab a sponge and wet it with the mixture, then wring it dry to avoid streaks. When wiping the walls down, pay special attention to any places where water might cause damage, like light switches or outlets. These also might be the same places that get touched the most, so don’t overlook them.
Washing walls that have oil-based paint. Oil-based paints can stand up to a little bit more, but you should still avoid using any harsh chemicals or brushes with hard bristles when cleaning. Otherwise, take the same precautions as you would with latex paint. If you need a little deeper clean, try using one ounce of borax for every pint of water in your solution.
For those extra-tough spots. After all of that, you might still have some stubborn spots. Fear not! There are plenty of great products on the market for precisely this problem. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can be a great solution to scuffs, scratches, and other accidents, while a degreaser is good for those splatters on your (non-latex painted) kitchen walls. Again, be sure to test out any product on a spot of the wall that can’t be easily seen, to ensure a small problem doesn’t become a bigger one.
How to Clean Painted Walls [Better Homes and Gardens]
Dirty Walls? Here’s How to Safely Clean Them [TODAY]
How to Clean Walls [Bob Vila]