As a homeowner, there will be times when you have to clean your walls. This is especially true if you have flat paint walls. To prevent streaks and ensure the best possible results, it’s important to use the right techniques and products. Follow some tips on how to clean walls with flat paint so that you can get them looking fresh and new again.
What Is Flat Paint?
Flat paints are ones that “absorb more light than they reflect light, so they have no sheen.” They are ideal for walls that need to be painted because they hide imperfections well and are easy to apply. However, they can also be difficult to clean. When you are trying to remove dirt, fingerprints, or other marks from flat paint, it’s important to use a gentler approach so that you don’t damage the paint.
How To Identify Flat Paint?
To identify the flat paint, look at the surface of your wall. If it’s dull and not shiny, then you likely have flat paint. You can also check the paint can or ask your local hardware store for confirmation.
If you’re not sure if your paint is flat or not, there are a few ways that you can tell. First, take a look at the paint can. The label should indicate whether the paint is flat, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. You can also look at the sheen of the paint. If it’s dull or has no shine, it’s likely flat paint.
Tools & Materials Needed
To clean your walls, you will need a few cleaning supplies. These include:
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is used to remove dust from the surface of your walls.
- A mild detergent mixed with water can be used to remove dirt, fingerprints, and other marks from your walls. Make sure to use a detergent that is designed for use on painted surfaces. Liquid dish soap can be utilized as a mild detergent.
- A soft cloth or sponge is used to apply the detergent solution to your walls.
- A clean, dry cloth is used to remove any leftover detergent solution from your walls.
Steps To Clean Walls With Flat Paint
Cleaning your walls doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have them looking like new in no time.
Clean Flat Paint Walls
The first step is to remove any surface dirt or dust from your walls. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner that has a soft brush attachment. Start at the top of your wall and work your way down. Be sure to go over the entire surface of your wall so that all the dirt and dust are removed.
If any spots seem to have more dirt or dust, you can use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe them away. Be sure to rinse the damp cloth or sponge often so that you don’t spread the dirt around.
Create A Cleaning Solutions
Once the surface dirt and dust have been removed, you’ll need to create a cleaning solution. This can be done by mixing a mild detergent with warm water. You can use liquid dish soap as a mild detergent.
Scrubbing The Walls
Once you have your cleaning solution, it’s time to start scrubbing your entire wall. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and then wring it out so that it’s not too wet. Start at the top of your wall and work your way down. Be sure to scrub all areas of your wall, including corners, and around door frames.
If there are any stubborn stains or scuff marks, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub them away. Just be sure not to scrub too hard or you could damage the paint. You can apply touch-up paint to remove stains.
Rinse The Walls
Once you’ve scrubbed all the dirt and marks from your walls, it’s time to rinse them off. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any leftover detergent solution. You can also use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment to rinse your walls. Start at the top of your wall and work your way down.
Let The Walls Dry
After you’ve rinsed your walls, it’s important to let them dry completely. This can take a few hours, depending on the temperature and humidity levels in your home. Once they’re dry, you can enjoy clean, fresh-looking original wall paint.
Tips And Tricks For Cleaning Walls With Flat Paint
Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of cleaning your painted wall with flat paint:
Using Soft Sponge
It’s important to use a soft sponge when deep cleaning flat-painted walls. A hard-surfaced sponge can damage the paint and make it difficult to clean. You can also use a microfiber cloth or magic eraser sponge.
Try A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
If you’re having trouble removing a mark or stain from your wall, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush. The soft bristles will help to remove the dirt without damaging the paint. Scrubbing too hard can damage the paint on your walls.
The Less Force, The Better
When it comes time to dry your walls with a towel, try to use as little force as possible. Blotting the surface with a soft cloth or microfiber towel will help to absorb any leftover moisture without causing any damage.
Act Promptly
If you spill something on your wall, it’s important to act quickly. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. Try to clean up spills as soon as they happen.
Stay Away From Harsh Chemical Cleaning Products
When cleaning your walls, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemical cleaning products. These products can damage the paint on your walls and make it difficult to clean. Try starting with just water and a little bit of soap. This will be enough to remove most dirt and dust from your walls.
Call The Professionals
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your walls, or if you’re having trouble getting them clean, you can always call our Top Tier Painting professionals. We will be happy to come out and take care of your cleaning needs. We specialize in painting and can help you get your walls looking their best. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
