Extend the Life of Your Interior Paint with these Interior Maintenance Tips
Posted on August 29, 2022
Our painting experts put together tips and tricks for maintaining your painted interior walls. Read on to learn more about extending the life of your paint.
Consider Your Paint Finish
There are some dos and don’ts to maintaining painted walls, including no harsh scrubbing. But, your paint finish will determine how you should approach the cleaning and maintenance of your walls. We’ll break it down below.
Flat, Eggshell and Satin Paint Finish
Because of the matte finish, these paint finishes are more prone to show defects from harsh cleaning practices. Avoid using chemical cleaners or degreasers to clean your wall; instead, use a damp sponge to lightly wipe away dirt and grime.
Semi-Gloss and Gloss Paint Finish
Since these finishes have a shine to them, they are more durable and able to withstand frequent cleanings. However, they’re not impervious to rough scrubbing. Instead, use soft cloths or sponges when cleaning your walls.
Dusting Your Newly Painted Walls
Over time, your interior surfaces are going to attract dust. So as part of your regular cleaning schedule, run a dry cloth or feather duster over the surface of your walls, paying extra attention to corners. Don’t forget the ceiling!
Using a long-handled sweeper, or even a dust brush attachment on your vacuum makes this job much easier. And no need to remove pictures or decor from the walls—dust doesn’t get back there anyway.
Recommended frequency: monthly.
Washing Your Newly Painted Walls
Especially in high-traffic areas, you’ll want to wash your painted surfaces periodically. First, to protect your floors, simply lay towels or a drop cloth at the base of the wall you’re cleaning. Avoid any cleaners containing ammonia or abrasives as these can diminish the integrity of your paint.
Warm, mild soapy water is all you need to wash your walls. Apply with a damp (not wet) sponge or cloth in a gentle circular motion. Once cleaning is complete, simply rinse the wall with a clean, damp cloth. The last step is to either use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess water left over from rinsing—or open a window to help your walls air-dry!
Recommended frequency: Every six months.
Spot-Cleaning Your Newly Painted Walls
Mix a baking soda and water paste (we recommend ½ of baking soda and a ¼ cup of water) and gently rub over the affected area to remove minor marks and stains. Then, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge.
Recommended frequency: as needed.
Now, take a load off. Enjoy your refreshed space.
Even though interior walls do require a bit of upkeep from the hustle and bustle, for now, take a step back and enjoy your freshly painted interior. It does look fantastic!
When the time comes for another refresh, CertaPro Painters® will be right here to deliver the same high-quality service to your home.
