Scuff happens. Don’t compromise a well-done paint job with harmful cleaning practices. Use these cleaning tips to make your project last well past the two year warranty!
Why Clean Your Walls?
Well, you got through the toughest factors of your renovation. Whether it was a DIY adventure or a painter’s party in your living room for three days, learning how to correctly clean and maintain your freshly painted walls will prolong the lifespan of your paint and make the whole journey worthwhile.
When we use the highest quality preparation standards and paint products on a client’s home, we offer a two-year warranty just in-case there was a drip we missed or some kind of unexpected bubbling or cracking from a leak or freak heater malfunction, but we cannot protect against day-to-day wear and tear. The last thing we want is your money going down the drain from the grease staining the wall behind your stove.
Four Solutions:
ALWAYS PERFORM A SPOT TEST in an inconspicuous place and wait for it to dry before washing an entire surface. If the paint remains bright and the color appears unaltered, the solution is safe to use.
For Walls:
When cleaning Waterborne Latex Painted Walls, its best to use a non-abrasive sponge and a light mixture of lukewarm water and a mild, grease-fighting dish soap. You want to make sure to wring out the moisture thoroughly before gliding the sponge with light pressure over the surface. If you are cleaning an entire wall feel free to repeat these steps with a non-abrasive rag or dust pad and a Swiffer-duster to reach higher places.
- Mix: Three to four drops of mild grease-fighting dish soap in a bucket half-filled with lukewarm water.
- Use: A non-abrasive sponge, wrung all the way out, and light, circular wiping motions.
- Dry: with a clean, non-abrasive towel or rag.
For Enamel Surfaces (Trim, Doors, Cabinets):
The paint used for trim, doors and cabinets is exceptionally sensitive to moisture, scratching, and harsh chemicals. Dust the surface before cleaning and never scrub the surface or fully saturate with the cleaning solution.
- Mix: Two tablespoons white vinegar in a bucket half-filled with lukewarm water.
- Use: A non-abrasive cloth, wring out the most moisture possible, and wipe down trim, cabinets or doors.
- Dry: With a clean, non-abrasive towel or rag.
- OR: For extremely sticky or greasy surfaces, use undiluted vinegar and a heavier wiping pressure. Follow immediately by rinsing your towel with warm water and rinse the surface. You may need to repeat this process in order to get rid of the thickest goo. Use a clean, non-abrasive Towel or rag to dry the surface.
For Stained Surfaces and Wood Furniture:
The best way to maintain your stain is by adding oiling and polishing to your weekly cleaning routine. If there is a spill or condensation ring on a stained surface, it is best to clean and dry the surface as soon as possible. If a stained surface is becoming sticky or has a tough stain, you can try the same vinegar solution mentioned above for varnished surfaces, or for stained surfaces you can:
- Mix: Equal Parts Baking Soda, and generic, white (non-gel) toothpaste.
- Use: A non-abrasive sponge, and light clockwise and counterclockwise motions. DO NOT let the mixture dry on the surface.
- Rinse: Using a clean, damp towel or sponge and lukewarm water, go over the surface multiple times to assure you’ve picked up all granules.
- Dry & Polish: Using wood polish, a polishing rag, and buffing motions
For Tricky Scuff-Marks:
- On Walls: Diluted (four tablespoons to one quart of warm water) baking soda mixture rubbed lightly and slowly on the area should get it out, rinse well with a damp towel and dry the surface thoroughly.
- On trim, doors and cabinets: A kneaded art eraser rubbed lightly on the area.
- On Stained Wood: Rub with a pencil eraser and wipe with a warm, damp towel to clean up the shavings.
When in Doubt:
Call your contractor! They will have cleaning and maintenance instructions, this is their livelihood! The last thing we would want is for your custom paint job to lay to waste from a grease stain or scuff mark. If your contractor left you with the remaining paint/stain/varnish, you may also call the product manufacturer or browse their website for cleaning suggestions.
