How to Clean Your Home’s Interior Walls

Over time, dust and dirt accumulate on walls. In addition to making your walls look unsightly, dust and dirt particles can damage your paint. Once the dust settles on the surface of your interior walls, it dulls the original brightness of your paint.

Cleaning your home’s interior walls regularly will make your paint last longer. Many homeowners are worried about damaging the surface of their walls or paint while cleaning them. These concerns are not unfounded. Finishes can be damaged when rubbed too hard. Go slow and use gentle strokes.

Here are some tips for cleaning your interior walls without damaging the paint.

Prepare and Dust

Before you start cleaning your walls, move furniture and other items such as hanging wall art out of the way so you do not bump into them while moving. Remove any fixtures that may be in your way.

Place a drop cloth or spread out an old newspaper on the floor to catch any drops that may splash on the floor. Use a cheesecloth or tack cloth to get rid of loose debris.

Use Mild Detergents and Non-abrasive Cleaners

In most cases, warm water is sufficient for cleaning. If too much grime has settled on your walls, you can also use a non-abrasive, mild detergent or dish soap to remove it. Start with warm water. If you encounter tough stains, add a few drops of dish soap to warm water at a ratio of 3 to 4 drops per gallon.

Steer clear of harsh, abrasive products as they can damage your paint. Use mildly hot water. You can use degreasers but only on glossy painted surfaces.

Clean Thoroughly

Use two sponges. One for applying the cleaning solution and the other to wipe it away. Keep a bucket full of clean water handy. Use clean water to wash away the dirty water. Move from top to bottom. If required, use a sturdy ladder to reach high walls.

Alternatively, use a sponge mop with an extended handle to clean high walls. Interior painters in Santa Rosa, CA recommend working the sponge in a circular motion to best remove stains and dust. Use your clean sponge to remove debris on the wall while it is still moist. Once you have got rid of debris, move to the next section.

Cleaning Troublesome Areas

You may have to work harder to remove grease stains, crayon marks, and food splatters. If warm soapy water does not work, use a solution of baking soda and water. You can even use dry baking soda, just remember not to press overly hard.

You may have to use a chemical cleaner to clean stubborn stains. Before treating stains, make sure the cleaning product is safe to use on walls.

Do you need more tips to extend the life of your paint? Look no further than Pellegrini’s Platinum Painting. We are a team of seasoned interior painters in Santa Rosa, CA. We are committed to helping our customers keep their paint jobs looking pristine for years after they are painted. To talk to one of our pros, call us at (707) 291-2615.

Steps to Prepare Walls for Interior House Painting

Painting interior walls is one of the most effective ways to give your home a new lease on life. Newly painted walls do not just improve the aesthetic appeal of the different areas of a home, but also make them look brighter and more prominent.

When it comes to interior house painting, prepping walls before painting is critical to achieving the desired results. Follow this five-step guide to accomplish this objective as recommended by interior painters in Santa Rosa.

Clean Your Walls

Vacuum your walls that are to be painted. Alternatively, use a clean towel to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Walls in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms must be cleaned with a solution of laundry detergent and water to remove sticky residue and stubborn stains.

If there is wallpaper on your walls, remember to remove it before starting to clean your walls. After thoroughly washing your walls, give them a rinse. Allow them to dry for a few hours. If you notice any signs of mold growth, apply an anti-mold solution to the affected area.

Remove Old Paint

Remove peeling and flaking paint, and smoothen the surface with sandpaper and a paint scraper. Use an electric sander for large areas.

Check For and Repair Damages

Repairing damaged surfaces is critical for the success of any painting project. Check for common signs of damage, such as loose patches of old plaster and cracks around frames. Replace old plaster with new plaster and fill gaps and holes with a sealant. Keep an eye out for barely noticeable damages. After performing repairs, sand the damaged areas lightly with sandpaper.

Cover Your Walls With Lining Paper

While interior painters in Santa Rosa, CA usually do not use lining paper, you must seriously consider covering your walls with lining paper, if they have several fine cracks and other imperfections. This will help create a smooth base for paint.

Apply a Primer Coat

While you can apply a fresh coat of paint over old water-based paint, remember to prime your walls if they have semi-gloss, gloss, or oil-based color. A regular primer cannot mask certain imperfections such as marks left by water and permanent markers.

Try to remove these marks manually. If you are unsuccessful, use a stain-blocking primer designed to hide almost all stains and prevent bleeding through newly applied paint layers. Stain-blocking primers also provide better adhesion over problematic areas, helping enhance the durability of the paint.

Pelligrini’s Platinum Painting Services is one of the most trusted interior painters in Santa Rosa. We have an enviable track record of success. We live to transform dull areas into inspiring spaces. Whether you are an entrepreneur who wants to create a workplace people love coming to or a homeowner who wants to give their home a luxurious makeover, we’ve got you covered. To discuss your project, call us at (707) 291-2615.