Over time, your walls may begin to appear dull and dirty. You may even start noticing stains and marks on them if you have children.
Thankfully, some straightforward methods exist for cleaning painted walls without stripping away the paint. All you need are some essential tools and non-damaging DIY cleaners.
Dish soap
When searching for a gentle cleaner to remove dirt and smudges, dish soap is ideal. Mixing 1 ounce of dish detergent per gallon of warm water will effectively clean most surfaces – including painted walls!
However, you should first test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the paint. If the stains don’t lift, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with half a bucket of water or use stronger dish detergent.
Before wiping down walls, thoroughly wring out the sponge and ensure it has been thoroughly wrung out. Additionally, using a porous surface helps pick up any grime or dust particles on the wall.
Vinegar
When cleaning walls without removing paint, vinegar is often the best solution. This cleaner is effective at eliminating stains and can also be used on oil-based paint.
Vinegar is an acidic liquid created by fermenting alcohol (usually wine). It has many uses in cooking and as an effective natural remedy for various illnesses.
You can purchase a variety of vinegar, but you can also try several simple recipes at home to make your own.
For example, you can make flavorful vinegar by infusing it with herbs and other flavorful ingredients. Not only is this an enjoyable way to incorporate vinegar into food recipes, but it also makes a beautiful gift for friends or family.
You’ll need a sponge or cloth that isn’t too wet to clean your walls. Begin at the bottom of the wall and work your way up; this keeps water from leaving streaks when it dries.
Baking soda
Baking soda is an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen but has many other uses. Aside from being a leavening agent for baked goods, it can also remove stains and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Baking soda in your water can also help reduce acidity in the body, potentially improving overall health by decreasing acid that causes heartburn, nausea, and other illnesses.
Exercise performance and endurance can be improved while increasing endurance levels. Furthermore, studies suggest that drinking alkaline water may prevent cancer by stabilizing the body’s pH levels, which could inhibit tumor growth.
To clean walls without removing paint, use a damp sponge or non-abrasive cloth with a diluted cleaning solution. Work the paste into any stain or mark with light circular motions and rub gently until gone. Rinse off the sponge and repeat as necessary.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a viable option if you’re searching for an easy way to clean walls without damaging paint. It’s a natural cleaner often found in pre-made cleaning solutions. However, ammonia can soften latex paint, making it more vulnerable to damage, so always test any new cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before using it on painted walls.
To clean walls, begin with warm water and a sponge. Use a gentle touch and work from the bottom up to avoid streaking.
Once you’ve cleaned one section, carefully wring the sponge out before moving on to the next. If cleaning oil-based walls requires ammonia, add a small amount into the warm water for extra loosening grime.
Oil-based paints can also be cleaned with baking soda and vinegar; however, test a small area first for colorfastness. Alternatively, mix ammonia and vinegar with water for a more robust cleaning solution.