Safely Cleaning the Walls in Your Bay Area Home Without Damaging the Paint
Having professionally-applied, beautiful interior paint is a direct investment in the value and style of your home. Because of that, it stands to reason that you’ll want to care for and preserve it as effectively as possible.
A lot of homeowners don’t realize just how much value there is in routinely cleaning your interior paint. It protects the surface from damage, and, as an added bonus, it helps to keep that “just painted” gleam. If your paint is a little older, you might also be surprised by the restorative power that cleaning offers.
What exactly are you protecting the finish from?
- Dirt
- Dust
- Grime and airborne residue from cooking
- Streaking in high-moisture areas (especially bathrooms)
- Hand smudges
- Stains
- … and more
This leads us to an all-important, logical next question.
How Do You Clean Interior Paint Without Damaging the Surface?
The major risk is streaking or removing the finish… Sends shudders down your spine, doesn’t it?
This can primarily be avoided by never using an overly-harsh cleaner. While a stubborn stain on the kitchen floor might call for a powerful chemical and elbow grease, those both create a lethal combination for paint. Anything with bleach in it especially is just too strong.
You can start by vacuuming with a soft-bristled attachment to remove any dust or cobwebs from the corners and walls throughout the room (it happens to the best of us!). After a careful dusting, you can focus on scuffs or smudges with the following tools:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - These work beautifully for removing smudges and handprints in a gentle, non-abrasive way.
- Fill a pail with a warm solution of water and mild dish detergent. Using a soft sponge, this combination can work wonders for your walls. Just remember, start slowly and wash gently.
Remember to Choose a Washable Paint for Higher-Traffic Areas
Sheen directly impacts how washable and durable your interior paint is. In spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, or other busy, high-traffic areas, investing in a higher-gloss paint will increase its strength and resistance to damage. Your professional painting company will certainly be able to help you navigate these options and select the most beautiful, and practical, products for your home.
