When people ask us why we believe pressure washing is an important part of exterior home maintenance, we typically remind them that it’s important to keep a surface clean for the sake of the paint. Contaminants like mold, mildew, and dirt all work to break down the surface coatings, and create a dirty, drab appearance as they do.
On a smaller scale, the same is true for your interior paint.
Regular cleaning of your walls helps to brighten the finish by removing marks and smudges, and will extend the lifespan of your paint as well. The key is to wash carefully and with the right products and techniques.
How Can You Wash Walls Without Damaging the Paint?
We’ve all heard the horror stories about someone trying to remove a scuff and ending up with a major paint failure on their hands. Here’s the good news: this can be avoided!
The key is to do just as little as possible. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
What we mean is start small and work gently. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Begin with a dusting – Even easier than dusting by hand, try vacuuming your walls with the bristled, hand-held attachment.
- Gentle cleaning solution – Always avoid harsh cleaners, and especially those that contain bleach. If a cleaning solution is necessary, mix a warm blend of water and gentle dish detergent. Wash the surface with a soft sponge.
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – If you have a mark or scuff, these eraser pads will make your day. Their non-abrasive material is gentle enough for your interior paint as well.
Choose a Durable Paint for Your Next Interior Painting Project
If you are painting a high-traffic area, or one that experiences harsh conditions like kitchens and bathrooms, consider using a higher-gloss paint. The glossier sheens can be an unforgiving product during the actual painting process, but they do offer a harder, less porous, durable finish.
If you have any other questions about your wintertime interior painting needs, why not contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company? It would be our pleasure to serve you however we can.