By 
Consider painting the walls white if you want to create a timeless, yet modern look in your home. White walls instantly make a room feel larger and brighter. With a blank canvas, you can add any type of decor or furniture to your space. While white walls are a great way to create a beautiful Instagram photo, they require hefty maintenance.
Over time, white walls can show signs of dirt and wear. With the right strategies you can clean your white walls using simple items like dish soap and a duster. Experts explain how to effectively clean white walls.
How often should you clean white walls?
NeJame says that white walls need to be cleaned thoroughly every six months, or whenever they start to accumulate dirt and debris. You may need to clean your walls more often if you have children or pets who are a nuisance. NeJame believes that most homeowners do not clean their white walls as frequently as they should.
Wall cleaning is something that used to be done by every homeowner and cleaning service twice a year. Now, it’s not done as often. If you hire a cleaning company, you will probably be charged a surcharge for cleaning the walls.
The following are some of the most common signs that your white walls need to be cleaned:
- Dust visible on walls
- Scuffs on the walls
- Dirt on Walls
- Spiderwebs at the corner where the wall meets the ceiling
You don’t need to wait until the bi-annual cleaning or any of these warning signs appear. NeJame suggests using your judgement to determine when it is time to refresh your walls.
What You Will Need
You’ll need the following tools to effectively clean your walls:
- Dust-brushes or a duster attachment for your vacuum cleaner
- Dry mop
- Microfiber cloth
- Magic Eraser
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Mild liquid dish soap
- Bucket
- Warm water
How to Clean White Walls
Your white walls probably took a while to become dirty. It will take some time to thoroughly clean them. You won’t require any expensive tools or cleaners. Pros show you how to clean your white walls one step at time.
Step 1: Begin with a blank slate
Make sure you start with a clean slate before you begin cleaning. Remove any items that may be on the walls and put them aside. If you really want to go all out, dust off those items.
Step 2: Dust from Top to Bottom
When you restore your white walls back to their former bright state, dirt isn’t your only enemy. Before washing your walls, dust them thoroughly from the ceiling down. Use any duster you like, including a microfiber cloth. But NeJame recommends using the dust-brush attachment on your vacuum for a more thorough clean. If you don’t own a duster, use a dry mop head with a soft cloth.
Dust the walls from top to bottom using your preferred tool. Be careful not to scratch them with the rigid parts on the vacuum or mop.
Step 3: Create your cleaning solution
The fun part is now: Fill a bucket with warm water (not hot). NeJame suggests adding a small amount of mild dish soap. You will not need as much soap as you believe.” She says that using less soap will help you to rinse it thoroughly. “Soapy residue on a wall attracts dirt in the future.”
Step 4: Spot Test
Test a small, inconspicuous area of the wall with your soap and water solution to ensure that you do not accidentally damage it. NeJame suggests washing a small section of wall that is normally hidden behind a couch or painting. You want to ensure your soap solution will not damage the pigments or sheens of the paint.
Varela suggests waiting a couple of hours after the test to see if you have damaged paint. He says that flat and eggshell paints are more prone to discoloration and staining.
Step 5: Clean the Walls
To prevent paint bubbles and watermarks, soak a sponge or cloth in the liquid and then wring out all of the excess moisture. Wash your walls in circular motions, and gently. As water will drip, start cleaning at the top and work your way down.
Step 6: Do Detail Work
You can use a sponge to clean the baseboards and trim after you have cleaned your walls. You can use melamine (also called Magic Eraser or Magic Foam) if you still see dirt or marks on your wall. Wet the foam and squeeze out any excess water. Gently rub affected areas. Do not go overboard as the foam can damage your wall finish.
When should I paint over the walls?
You can paint over the old ones if they are in need of a facelift. It may not be the easiest option, but it is a viable one. NeJame has a list of telltale signs that it’s time to paint.
- Scuffs don’t come out
- The paint sheen has been damaged
- Water or smoke stains have been found on the walls
Remember that fresh paint is a different shade than old, faded paint. You may get away with this. NeJame says that if you’ve just painted the wall in the last 2 years, and it gets scuffed up, you may be able to touch it up using the leftover paint.
When Should I Hire Professional Cleaning Services?
Brown drippings that will not disappear, no matter how thoroughly or much you clean your walls are a sign that you need professional cleaning services. Varela says that these stains can be caused by nicotine residue left behind in the home from previous owners.
Comments