A well-chosen paint color on your walls can do a lot to enhance the look and feel of a room. However, over time, everyday use can leave your painted walls smeared with dirt, grime, and stubborn stains that make the space uninviting. By giving the walls a good cleaning every once in a while, you can keep them looking fresh and new.

How to Clean Your Painted Walls

1. Select the Right Cleaning Solution

Various paint colors and finishes require different cleaning solutions, so know the finish type on your wall before using a detergent or stronger solution. For painted walls with flat, eggshell, or satin finishes, clean with a soft cloth that was soaked in warm soapy water and wrung nearly dry. You'll also need a gentle solution for porous finishes since they're less able to withstand harsh chemicals found in some cleaning solvents. In most cases, water with mild detergent will do the trick.

However, you can use a relatively stronger solution for walls with glossy or semi-gloss finishes. Mixing ammonia with water will remove stubborn stains, but baking soda or white vinegar can work as well. If you're unsure, do a patch test on a small area before proceeding.

2. Practice the Two-Bucket Method

Work in sections, starting from the top and moving downward to prevent watermarks. Also, use two buckets when cleaning: one for the detergent and one for rinsing. This technique ensures you're using clean water to wash off the solution.

3. Skip the Scrubbing

When cleaning, most people think vigorous scrubbing washes the surface more effectively, but this isn't the case with painted walls. Heavy-handed rubbing often dulls the paint colors and finish. Instead, gently wipe with a soaked cloth or wet sponge and leave the solution on for a few minutes to loosen the stains before rinsing off.

If you want to give your walls a fresh coat, turn to Fairbanks Paint & Glass in Alaska. They carry an array of paint colors and painting accessories to get the job done. Choose from their extensive selection of interior and exterior paints at their store, or call (907) 456-7758 if you have any questions. To view their full list of offerings, visit them online.