Everything that comprises a home or business requires cleaning and maintenance. The same is true for interior walls that have been coated with paint. All too quickly scuff marks appear, stains seem to appear like magic, and at the very least; dust will build up. Though the painted walls need to be recoated from time to time, cleaning should be more regular. But the issue is, often when we try to efficiently clean our walls; sometimes the paint will be compromised.
L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc would like to share some tips and advice on getting the walls cleaned without diminishing the integrity of the paint.
1. Dusting Painted Walls. The first step is to remove the layer of dust and cob webs that have accumulated on your walls. To do so, you have a few a choices; vacuum hose with a brush attachment works best, a soft brush, a dust mop, or a broom can be used to clean away the surfaces of your walls. Be sure to remove the dust and cob webs thoroughly.
2. Removing Stains and Blemishes Without Removing Paint. Different stains can be better treated when you know what they are. Food stains we well as protein stains like blood or other materials have better suited remedies for optimal results.
• A good general solution for most stains is baking soda and water. Add little quantities of water to your baking soda until you have created a paste. Once you have a thick enough paste that won’t run along vertical walls, simply apply it to the stained areas and allow it to sit for minutes. With a damp cloth, wipe away paste and the stain.
• Black smudges are better treated with toothpaste. Gently rub a layer of toothpaste onto the scuffed wall and leave it on for 5 minutes, after which, use a dampened clean cloth to wipe away the toothpaste and lift the stain.
3. Wash Painted Walls. After the stains and blemishes have been successfully lifted, now it is time to clean the walls. We recommend using a bucket of warm water with a tsp of mild dish washing soap, or for more strength add distilled white vinegar to your warm water. The vinegar solution will not leave a soapy residue like the soapy water solution, and will not need to be rinsed.
– Do NOT use any products containing alcohol as it could potentially break down the paint.
– If you opted for the soapy solution, after a thorough cleaning, be sure to sponge on clear water to rinse away soapy residue.
If you need something stronger than the soapy water solution, but detest the smell of vinegar, mix 8 ½ ounces of water with 3 ½ oz of washing soda.
– Wash the walls clean with your preferred method.
4. Rinse. After you are satisfied with your cleaned walls, rinse them well. Using a damp sponge, wipe your walls to clear residue away.
5. Dry Painted Walls. Once walls have been rinsed, towel-dry them to avoid water spots.
Residential House Painters & Commercial Painting Contractors in Amagansett, East Hampton, Southampton, Wainscott, Bridgehampton, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Watermill, Westhampton & The Hamptons New York
L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc have a number of services to offer our valued customers. If you are ever concerned with care or maintenance instruction, always feel welcome in asking our experts. Our professionals are masterfully trained and with years of experience are the leading experts in town. Call us today!