Flat paints tend to have a matte finish and they are most popular for their non-reflective properties, they are also easier to apply and it’s the least expensive choice you can choose from when it comes to painting. Flat paints provide great pastry-looking finishes and they are famous for their aesthetic appeal and practical application. Flat paints are also great to bring out beautiful designs or details and can be used to light up certain dark areas or spaces. Many people prefer flat paints because of their translucent and opaque finish which diminishes glares on surfaces they are used on.
To some, it can be tricky when trying to clean off a flat painted wall from stubborn dirt. Cleaning a flat paint from dirt, stains or fingerprints can be challenging especially when the paint starts to come off with the tool you’re using, a rag, for example, to remove the dirt leaving the wall with a botched look. In this case, the wall may need to be repainted to cover imperfections which is not good if you’re on a budget.
However, there are some techniques that can be used to prevent the botched look and unnecessary spending, and below we list a few:
What you’ll need:
- Dish or laundry soap
- Cloth or rags
- 1 bucket
- White vinegar
- Eraser
- Gloves
- Water
Techniques To Cleaning Flat Paint Walls
Water and soap:
Water and soap are great methods to clean dirty spots off your wall without damaging the flat paint on your wall. It is also recommended to clean the wall immediately after any spill was made. To clean flat paint walls from dirt, pour some water into a bucket then add a few drops of liquid soap and stir to make a cleaning solution. Soak a sponge into the solution, and once soaked, squeeze out the excess water and rub the area with the dirt without adding pressure, until the dirt is no longer visible. Rinse the spot with clean water then pat with a towel to dry it, allow about 15 minutes or more for the area to completely dry. Use a fan if needed. Once dry, check the area once again to make sure all dirt was removed and if still notice any additional dirt in the area, repeat the same process once again.
Warm water and detergent:
Sometimes all you need is water to remove stains but if it doesn’t work, warm water and detergent should help. To begin, add some water into a bucket then add a few drops of dishwasher detergent to create a gentle solution. Note that you can also use laundry detergent to make a solution, use one spoon of detergent to a gallon of warm water and mix well. Soak a sponge or a cloth into the warm solution and squeeze out excess water, then start by gently rubbing the dirty area with the damp sponge or cloth without adding much pressure until the dirt is no longer visible, then allow to dry. Once dry, check to make sure the area is clean from the dirt and repeat the process if the area still has some dirt left. It is also recommended to pat the wet area with a towel so that it may dry faster but make sure not to rub the area to not rub off the paint.
Eraser sponge:
Another recommended method is the eraser sponge. Soak the eraser in water and then squeeze out excess water. Start by cleaning the area with the dirt with a downstroke motion and sometimes with an up and down motion while adding a bit of pressure. Whilst cleaning, notice if any paint is being removed from the area you’re cleaning, if so, you may be doing it too hard. With this technique, the paint should remain intact. Clean until the dirt is no longer visible and allows up to 15 minutes for the area to dry. It may take longer depending on the environmental conditions. After the time period check the area to make sure all stains are removed. If still notice any dirt, follow the same method to remove it. This technique is great for cleaning walls and doors.
Water and vinegar:
For a more substantial cleaning, vinegar is a great recommendation, it is considered a natural eco-friendly cleaner that will not damage the walls and you may have some handy. Take one cup of vinegar, usually white vinegar, and mix it into half a bucket of warm water. Soak a clean cloth or a sponge into the solution and gently wipe off the dirt on the wall with an up and down stroke motion. Allow to dry for about 15 minutes or more, then doublecheck to see if all dirt was removed, if not, repeat the same process a second time or until the dirt is completely removed.
Wall cleaners:
Foam wall cleaners are another way to clean flat paint walls if you prefer a more industrial approach to clean the dirt off your flat paint walls. They are somewhat inexpensive and can be used instead of the household items you may have available like dish soap and rags, although many people would rather choose household items if they are on a budget. They come in spray bottles or wipes. They offer easy to spray and wipe off methods and save you some time. It is recommended to follow the safety instructions available on the product when using chemical products.
Although flat paints are considered to be a bit difficult to clean, they can be accomplished with a gentle cleaning approach. It is recommended to clean flat painted walls regularly. Cleaning flat painted walls routinely will keep it looking fresh and bright and it’s a great way to protect the paint too. Use products that are mild enough to use on the walls and won’t damage the paint. As a safety tip, make sure electrical outlets are covered for safety reasons. Do not use anything abrasive or harsh chemicals as this may damage the wall by rubbing off the paint. We hope you find these tips helpful.
