Clean walls are an important aspect of home maintenance that not only improves the aesthetics of your home, but also contributes to a healthy atmosphere
Walls are silent witnesses to our daily lives. They reflect everything from children playing with coloured pencils to the occasional splash of coffee on a leisurely morning.
Keeping walls clean is an important aspect of home maintenance that not only improves the aesthetics of the home, but also promotes a healthy atmosphere. However, homeowners are often faced with the challenge of cleaning surfaces, especially if they are covered in matte paint. Luckily, there are effective and safe ways, as revealed by Real Simple, that can help restore the walls to their spotless appearance without the risk of damaging the coating.
What is matte paint
Matte paint has a velvety finish on the walls, helping to hide imperfections in the walls. There is a spectrum of paint sheen, from matte to high gloss. Generally, a high gloss creates a stronger finish that can be washed. Because matte paint is porous and has the lowest sheen, it is less resistant to frequent cleaning.
You need to be sure exactly what kind of paint to cover your walls with. If you’ve painted them yourself, you probably know the answer to this question, however, if you’re not sure what kind of walls you have, it’s important to find out before you start cleaning, as each type of paint requires a different technique.
How to identify the type of paint
There is a common trick you can use to know the type of wall finish: shine a torch on the wall. If you see a clear outline of light (round), you probably have glossy paint. If the glow is less clear and you don’t see a rounded shape, you probably have a semi-gloss finish. If you shine a torch on the wall and see it glowing without a hint of clear outline, you probably have a matte finish.
How often to clean painted walls
You should dust your walls at least once a month to remove cobwebs. Inspect the walls weekly and gently wipe away any stains and dirt around light switches. Matte paint doesn’t hold up well during heavy cleaning, so regular careful cleaning of the walls will save you the hassle.
Similarly, if you notice food and drink splatters or, for example, pencil and marker marks, remove them as soon as possible. As matt paint is not durable, you should only wash your walls thoroughly once a year or before repainting.
How to clean walls
What you’ll need
- Microfibre cloths 2 pcs.
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery brush
- Stool or stepladder
- tarpaulin
- Bucket 2 pcs.
- Distilled white vinegar 1 bottle
- Dishwashing detergent 1 bottle
- Baking soda 1 pack
- Melamine sponge 1 pc.
What to do
- Prepare the room: remove artwork from the walls, move furniture away from the walls, lay tarpaulins on the floor.
- Wipe away dust and cobwebs. Start at the top of the wall. Use a dust rag or sweep with an upholstery brush.
- Wipe with warm water. Use a microfibre soaked in warm water.
- Wash with vinegar and soap. Prepare a solution of water, vinegar and detergent. Wipe the stains with a cloth.
- Remove stubborn stains. Use baking soda or a melamine sponge. Do not rub too hard to avoid damaging the paint.
Tips
- Remove stains weekly.
- Avoid touching the walls with dirty hands.
- Use exhaust fans in wet areas.
- Touch up areas that cannot be cleaned.
Caring for painted walls is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also an important step in creating a cosy and healthy atmosphere in the home. Regular cleaning, the right choice of cleaning products and careful handling of the walls will help to keep them clean and attractive for many years. Best of all, it’s not difficult at all if you stick to simple recommendations.
