How to Clean Painted Surfaces

Keeping painted surfaces clean is a crucial part of maintaining the appearance and longevity of your home. Over time, walls collect dust, fingerprints, grease and scuffs, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens and bathrooms. However, before you start using cleaning methods or products, it’s important to remember that different paint finishes require different levels of care:

• Flat and matte finishes are delicate and can be damaged by aggressive scrubbing, so they should be cleaned carefully with minimal moisture and pressure.
• Eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes are generally more durable and easier to maintain, making them better suited for regular cleaning in high-traffic areas.

Before washing a painted surface in your home, it’s a good idea to remove dust and debris with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment to avoid grinding dirt into the paint. For routine cleaning, you just need warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia should be avoided because they can break down the paint finish over time.

If you need to use a stronger cleaning product on tough stains or scuffs, test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t discolor or damage the surface. It’s also important to avoid excessive moisture and heavy scrubbing, especially on freshly painted walls that haven’t fully cured yet.