Most of us probably don’t consider cleaning our house’s walls that frequently. However, if you have not cleaned your painted walls in a while, you could be shocked to see how much dust and debris have accumulated over time. In fact, you might even find that the paint color seems brighter and more vibrant after getting your walls a good cleaning and taking the instructions outlined below. Similar to this, your wallpaper will appear fresher and the dust on your brick walls will be gone. Here’s how to freshen up any space without using a paintbrush or new wallpaper: by simply cleaning the walls.
How to Clean Painted Walls
Oil-Based Finish
Everyone is aware that oil-based paint does have a glossy sheen, which makes cleaning it very simple and damage-free.
However, in order to thoroughly clean any sort of painted wall safely and flawlessly, you have to be knowledgeable enough. So, to assist you, below is a step-by-step manual.
Step #1: Using a brush or gentle dust cloth, eliminate the dust and grime from the wall
Step #2: Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing together 2 cups of room temperature water, 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap, and 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar. Put the mixture in an empty spray can.
Step #3: Dampen a clean microfiber (or soft) towel with some of the mixtures by spritzing it over it; if necessary, wring the towel to remove any extra water.
Step #4: To clean the wall safely and effectively, lightly wipe it over.
Step #5: Wipe the wall using a dry, clean towel because extended exposure to moisture can harm the finish.
Latex Finish
There are numerous varieties of latex coatings, so we’ve divided them into three groups:
- Gloss/ Semi-Gloss
- Flat/ Matte
- Eggshell
Gloss/ Semi-Gloss
Use the same procedure as above to effectively and damage-free clean category 1. High gloss finishes can actually handle a lot more moisture, thus cleaning them requires a tougher solution and more strength.
Flat/ Matte
Step #1: Use a fresh dust cloth to clean the wall. To prevent dust or filth from spreading when the wall is wet, this must be done carefully and thoroughly.
Step #2: To thoroughly clean, mix a tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of room temperature water in a spray can.
Step #3: Lightly mist a clean, soft cloth with the water/vinegar mixture to dampen it.
Step #4: Carefully wipe a smaller area at a time, looking for dirt on the cloth. Utilize a clean side or cloth as needed to prevent spreading and stains.
Step #5: Use a melamine foam cleaner and a gentle, absorbent material like a hand towel to spot-clean stains. To avoid white patches on the paint finish, be sure it doesn’t include ammonia or bleach. Make circular motions while cleaning with light pressure.
Step #6: Blot your wall to remove as much wetness as you can with a fresh, white towel.
Eggshell
Step #1: Clean the wall by sweeping it with an electrostatic feather duster or a dust cloth.
Step #2: Select a non-bleach cleaning solution to combine with water; for basic cleaning, 1 tablespoon of the cleaner in 2 cups of water is sufficient.
Step #3: Wring out as much water as you can utilizing a soft towel or non-abrasive sponge after dipping it in the cleanser.
Step #4: To effectively clean the wall, wipe it in a circular manner. Clean the cloth or sponge as required.
Step #5: To help the wall dry more quickly, blot it with a clean, absorbent cloth.
More Cleaning Tips for Painted Walls
• If you have just painted a wall, wait to clean it until you are certain the paint is totally dry. Usually, you have to wait for at least 2-3 weeks before cleaning newly painted walls.
• Always try your cleaning product on a hidden area of the wall; after the wall has completely dried, look for any damages or any bad effects. If there’s any, change your cleaning solution to save your walls from further damage.
• When cleaning, leave the windows open and turn on ceiling fans to help the walls dry off quickly.
• To prevent the need for many clean cloths, choose a large towel and work with small parts at a time.
• Apply light pressure, and periodically inspect the cloth for color fading.
• When using specifically designed wall/paint cleaners, always consult a specialist if you are not sure about how to clean them.
How to Clean Wallpapered Walls
It’s best to review the cleaning directions on the website of the manufacturer before you start cleaning. Avoid using any water-based cleaning techniques on delicate, old wallpaper.
Step #1: Dust the wall gently with your brush attachment on the vacuum, paying close attention to the baseboards and molding. Another option is to utilize a dry duster. To avoid getting dust on a section you’ve already cleaned, always begin at the top of your wall and then work your way down.
Step #2: Use warm water and a couple of drops of mild washing solutions if dusting is not enough. A soft sponge should be dipped, wrung out, and tested in a hidden location, like behind some furniture. Does the color bleed or does the water soak into the paper? If so, omit this approach. You can continue doing so if not.
Step #3: Use the barely damp sponge to gently wipe the wallpaper, then follow with a fresh towel to absorb any remaining moisture.
How to Clean Brick Walls
Brick walls are often characterized as heavy-duty walls because of their rough finish, but are also known as difficult-to-clean walls. Keep on reading to learn how to clean them properly.
Exterior Brick Walls
Step #1: Combine a cup of bleach and a gallon of water to make a cleaning solution.
Step #2: Apply it to the bricks by using a sponge.
Step #3: Utilize a scrub brush having nylon or natural bristles to get rid of molds, mildew, or other plant growth.
Step #4: The metal shavings that a wire brush sheds can tarnish and damage your brickwork, so avoid using one.
Interior Brick Walls
Step #1: Mix 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar and a little water to make a thin paste. After applying it, give the mixture 10 minutes to settle on the brick.
Step #2: After washing with warm water, wipe off with a soft towel. This method is ideal for cleaning confined spaces, such as the brick trim around a fireplace.
Step #3: Use vinegar, one of the bests natural cleaners, if you are cleaning a larger surface, like a floor or a wall. A spray bottle should be half filled with water and half with vinegar.
Step #4: Give the spray some time to set on the bricks. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. Scrub the bricks using a nylon-bristled scrub brush as well as some elbow grease if they are particularly dirty.
Step #5: One most popular natural cleaners are baking soda and dishwashing liquid. To form a thin paste, combine 1/2 cup baking soda and 3 teaspoons dish soap.
Step #6: Spread it out on the block, wait ten minutes, and then brush it off. Rinse well in warm water.
