A new coat of paint can work wonders for the appearance of your home. If you”™re thinking about bringing in a team of professionals to handle the process, you may be wondering about how to protect your investment in the long run. Life gets messy, especially if your household is home to little ones or pets. Scuffs, scratches, or stains are often inevitable, but luckily, there are steps you can take to help your painted walls look as good as new. Here, we share our tips for cleaning walls without damaging the paint.

Start By Dusting

It”™s always best to avoid heavy-duty cleaning if gentler methods can do the trick. Before you move on to more aggressive cleaning agents, start by thoroughly dusting the wall. If the dirt is just sitting on top of the wall, it may be gently wiped away by a tack cloth or microfiber cloth. Even if there”™s still a smudge left behind, you now have an even canvas to work with.

Wipe the Area With a Damp Sponge

After dusting the area with a soft cloth, use a damp sponge and a mild cleanser to remove deeper stains. Keep in mind that newly painted walls should be left alone for at least two weeks to avoid damaging the finish. Once you”™ve dampened the sponge, use a circular motion to gently scrub the walls. Be sure not to use too much water, as this can cause the paint to deteriorate (especially flat or matte finish). To finish the process, follow up with a barely-damp washcloth to wipe away any cleanser left behind. 

For tough scuff marks, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area and rinse with a damp sponge. To remove any dampness left on the spot, dry the wall with a soft washcloth.

Safety Tip: Do a Test Run First 

You never quite know how paint will react to cleansers, so we recommend doing a test run before wiping down a large portion of the wall. If possible, choose an inconspicuous spot for a quick trial run. Try testing your cleaning solution in a dimly lit area, or on a part of the wall thatӪs hidden by art or d̩cor. If the paint still looks great and there are no water marks left behind, itӪs safe to use the cleaning method on other areas of the home.

Properly applied paint should hold up exceptionally well to daily life. Our team at Fordham and MacLean only uses the highest quality paints that are designed to repel mildew and wash like a dream. If you”™d like to brighten up your home or office with a fresh coat of paint, we”™re happy to help. To get started with your free color consultation, please give us a call or fill out our online contact form.

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