So, you’re ready to give your walls a fresh coat of paint? Awesome! But before you grab that brush and unleash your inner artist, let’s talk about an important overlooked step: cleaning your interior walls.
Why is Wall Cleaning so Important?
You wouldn’t start painting a canvas without cleaning it first, would you? The same goes for your walls. Dust, dirt, grease, and even old layers of paint can interfere with the paint’s adhesion. The paint might not stick properly in some areas, resulting in an uneven finish. It might also peel or chip prematurely. If you leave the Dirt and grime, they will show through the new paint, ruining your fresh look.
Let’s Get Cleaning! How to Clean Your Interior Walls Before Paint?
Here’s a step-by-step process for cleaning your walls before painting:
Step: 1: Gather Your Supplies
First, you must collect all the supplies needed to paint your walls. These are
- Get warm water in a bucket or sink.
- Dish soap or a gentle all-purpose cleaner works well.
- Microfiber cloths are great for gentle scrubbing.
- Bucket for rinsing cloths.
- A ladder or step stool is used to reach higher areas.
- A putty knife is used to remove any loose paint or stubborn grime.
- TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution for tougher jobs (optional, but highly effective).
- Prepare the Room
Step 2: Remove the Furniture
Before you start cleaning, clear the room! If possible, remove the furniture. If you can’t move something, cover it with drop cloths to protect it from paint splatters. Turn off the room’s electricity and remove wall fixtures, such as light switches and outlet covers.
Step 3: Clean the Walls
Start cleaning your interior walls by removing the loose dust and cobwebs with a microfiber cloth. Then, follow with a proper wash.
Remove the Dust
Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove loose dust and cobwebs.
Wash the Walls
To clean the lightly soiled walls, mix warm water with mild detergent. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and wring it out well. Gently scrub the walls in a circular motion.
For heavily soiled walls, you might need to use a stronger solution. TSP (trisodium phosphate) is a powerful cleaner, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear appropriate safety gear (gloves and eye protection).
Rinse the Walls
After washing, rinse the walls with clean water using a damp cloth.
Let the Walls Dry Completely
Let the walls dry completely before you start painting them. Depending on the humidity and temperature, this usually takes several hours.
Important Tips:
Here are some important points that you need to consider before using a rinsing solution
- Test in an inconspicuous area: Always test your cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the paint or wall surface.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Strong chemicals can damage the wall surface and even harm your health.
- Don’t over-wet the walls: Too much water can seep into the drywall and cause problems.
Wrap up
By taking the time to properly clean your interior walls before painting, you’ll get a smoother application, a longer-lasting finish, and a beautiful result that you’ll be proud of. If you have difficulty in painting walls, get the wall painting services from Tx Home Work. Call us at (281)-841-6146