While you may think about giving your home an update with a new coat of paint, you can also consider giving those walls a thorough cleaning to refresh your space.
Many people frequently vacuum their rugs and mop the floors but may not think about cleaning the walls unless a stain appears. Regardless of how well you maintain your home, scuffs and oil spots can leave marks on the walls and cause your home to look unkempt.
Before you begin to clean the walls, make sure to consider the finish. Whether it’s flat or glossy determines how scrubbing affects the wall surface.
Walls with flat paint, which also include eggshell and satin finishes, aren’t as durable when it comes to cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or degreasers and scrub gently. Glossy or semi-glossy walls are durable and can take a mild degreaser. Make sure to avoid scratches by using a soft sponge when cleaning. After you determine the type of paint, follow these steps to clean the walls:
Dust. Remove any dust from the surface to ensure that a liquid mixture won’t wet any debris and create new marks of dirt. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, flat mop, or tack cloth.
Mix a cleaning solution. For oil-based painted walls, combine 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent into 1 quart of warm water. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar. Gently scrub the walls with this mixture. For latex-based paints, move straight to painting the walls.
Touch up the walls. One of the best ways to spruce up the walls after cleaning is to touch up any paint scratches or stains that persist. This practice can extend the life of your wall paint and keep your home looking fresh.
The best way to prevent major stains and scuffs on your walls, clean them as they happen. Staying proactive makes it easier for a professional or for you to paint when the time comes for an update.
Sources: Cleaning.lovetoknow.com, Mydomaine.com, BHG.com
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