How to Clean Painted Walls?

Walls are one of the most overlooked areas in the house cleaning session. They are often coated with dust, dirt particles, smudges, pollen, smoke, grease splatters, insect droppings and even mould spores in a humid and dark environment.

Spots near light switches, windows, doors, furniture and heavy appliances take the most abuse and collect soil and grime, downgrading the indoor air quality. Dust-laden and stained painted walls can linger germs and cause health hazards like asthma, watery eyes and respiratory disorders.

If you want to revive the lost shine of your painted walls, give them an attention-to-detail cleaning. Remember that using harsh products or abrasive tools can wear out the paint, and you may also lose your hard-earned bond money if you move out of your rental property in Adelaide.

So, here is a comprehensive guide to help you clean all painted walls like a pro. Follow the right hacks and maintain the pristine look of your living space.

1. Know the Type of Paint on Walls

This is one of the crucial steps when cleaning your painted walls. According to end of lease cleaning Adelaide professionals, every wall finish requires specialised treatment and cleaning method to avoid damage. So, consider the following types:

• Latex Paint Finish: Clean it with water and a mild cleaning agent. Do not use harsh products or scrubbing tools.
• Flat, Satin and Eggshell Finish: It is less durable and often collects dust and debris. Avoid scrubbing too hard. Also, don’t wash walls with harmful or ammonia-based cleaners. Instead, use mild detergent and water.
• Glossy and Semigloss Finishes: These are often used in kitchens and are more durable. You can use mildly abrasive cleaners for stain removal. However, they are also prone to scratches if not treated properly.

2. Prep the Area and Dust the Walls

So, begin the process by preparing the area for deep cleaning. Remove artwork, lamps, paintings and other hanging items from your walls. Also, move heavy furniture to access nooks and crannies.

Eliminating dust particles, pet hair, cobwebs, and other allergens from ceilings can be done using a microfiber cloth or a telescopic duster. This is one of the best dusting techniques for allergy sufferers.

Tip: Place an old towel on the floor against the baseboard to trap dripping water from the walls during the cleaning process.

3. Use Warm, Soapy Water to Clean Eggshell or Flat Painted Walls

There is no rocket science behind cleaning delicate paint finishes like eggshell or satin. Since they are prone to scratches and damage, use only mild cleaners and soft sponges to remove stains.

Mix dishwashing soap in warm water, dampen a sponge and wash your windows. Pay special attention to stained spots and streaks by gently scrubbing them with a sponge. Ensure you wipe down the dripping water to prevent nasty streaks behind.

Tip: Squeeze out the excess solution from the sponge before cleaning your eggshell walls.

4. Revamp Oil-Based Painted Walls with Baking Soda

The method is straightforward and eco-friendly. Use the power of baking soda, which has mild scouring properties, to remove smudges and grease stains from your oil-based painted walls.

To prepare the solution, add baking soda, dish soap, and warm water. Dip a sponge or cloth in the solution and gently scrub the walls, covering the nooks and crannies. In the final step, wipe down the walls with a clean cloth to remove baking soda residue and achieve a shiny look.

Tip: Expert End of lease cleaners Adelaide recommends avoiding white vinegar or other acidic cleaning agents on walls as it can wear out the paint finish or discolour your walls. You can hire them and pass your end-of-tenancy inspection with ease.

5. White Vinegar to Save Gloss Finish of Walls

Semigloss or gloss-painted walls are easy to clean. It can withstand acidic or mildly strong cleaners. You can remove mould, mildew, grease stains and oil splatters using white vinegar and warm water. All you need to do:

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle.
• Add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
• Spray on the affected area and gently scrub with a wet sponge
• Wipe with a cloth and let it dry.

Tip: Use a step stool to reach the top surfaces, like ceilings and crevices. You can also wash windows and blinds using the same solution.

6. Remove Stains and Smudges From Latex Finish

You can easily remove heavy soil, grease and smudges from your latex-painted walls using warm water and baking soda. Gently scrub it on the affected area. Use the circular motion and wipe down with a damp cloth.

Wipe down using rubbing alcohol to tackle heavy soil and lingering germs. Do not forget to disinfect the high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches.

7. Tackle Mould Stains with 3 % Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can remove mould spores from almost all surfaces, including painted walls. First, test it on a hidden area to see how it reacts. Then, mix 3 per cent peroxide and spray it on the walls.

Use a soft-bristled brush or a magic eraser to gently scrub the surface. To prevent potential side effects, ensure proper ventilation by keeping doors and windows open. Rinse, wipe, and air dry the surface for the best outcomes.

8. Touch Up Your Painted Walls

If nothing works, you can conceal the stained area with touch-up paint. You can hire a professional handyman to apply the fresh paint coat and revive your walls. You can also hire professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Adelaide for the hassle-free retrieval of your bond money.

Use an eco-friendly paint that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds. These can pollute the indoor air and cause various health problems.

The Ultimate Guide to Clean Painted Walls

Wrapping up

Cleaning painted walls is a simple process. Ensure you understand the paint type and tackle stains, smudges and grease accordingly. Read the above tips and retrieve your painted walls as they are new.