All residences have painted walls, providing a visual appeal to the dwelling. Unfortunately, walls often attract dirt, fingerprints and grime, making them look dull and dingy. Surprisingly, most homeowners don't know how to clean painted walls correctly and ruin the finish. People are always tempted to use abrasive products, strong chemicals and sharp cleaning tools to stubborn stains. But, inappropriate methods can leave scratches and permanent marks behind. This could lead to bond deductions and disputes when moving out of your rental property.
Luckily, you can keep your painted walls sparkling and spotless using natural and chemical free products. It is good to start the process by dusting the walls, covering every nook and cranny to effectively tackle stubborn stains and spots. In this guide, we’ll discover safe and effective methods to deep clean painted walls without damaging the finish. This can leave a great impression on your landlord, helping you secure full bond money.
- Understanding the Paint Type First
- Start With a Dry Clean
- Test Before You Clean
- Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution
- Tackle Stains One at a Time
- Avoid Over Wetting the Walls
- Work from Top to Bottom
- Do Not Forget the Corners and Edges
- Use Natural Light for Inspection
- When to Call a Professional
- Wrapping Up
1. Understanding the Paint Type First
Before grabbing a sponge or cloth, take a moment to understand the type of paint used on the walls. Different paints react differently to water and cleaning products. Most rental properties in Perth use either matte, satin, eggshell, or gloss finishes.
- Matte and eggshell finishes are delicate and require a gentle touch, as they can easily absorb moisture and show signs of rubbing.
- Satin and semi gloss finishes are more durable and can handle a bit more cleaning pressure.
- Gloss finishes are highly resistant and easier to clean but may show fingerprints or smudges more clearly.
Knowing the paint finish will help you choose suitable cleaning methods and tools that do not compromise the look of the wall.
2. Start With a Dry Clean
Begin your wall cleaning process by accumulated dust, spider webs, or loose debris using a microfibre cloth, soft bristled broom, or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. A long extendable duster can do wonders for ceiling, corners, and skirting boards.
Avoid using a feather duster, as it can scatter dust instead of lifting it. A microfibre cloth works best because it grabs and holds onto dust particles without scratching the wall surface.
3. Test Before You Clean
Even if you know the paint type, always test your cleaning product on a small, hidden part of the wall first. Behind a curtain or door is usually a good place. Check for any changes in colour, texture, or finish once it dries. If there is no discolouration or damage, you can safely continue.
This step is especially important during professional vacate cleaning Perth, as landlords are known to perform thorough inspections. A patchy wall can quickly lead to disputes or bond deductions.
4. Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Harsh chemicals are not necessary when cleaning painted walls. In fact, they can do more harm than good. Stick to mild soap or detergent mixed with warm water.
DIY gentle cleaning solution:
- Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water.
- Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, wring it out well to avoid excess moisture, and wipe in circular motions.
Avoid using strong chemical cleaners like bleach or ammonia on painted surfaces. Not only can they damage the paint, but they also leave strong odours that are difficult to remove, something you want to avoid when vacating.
5. Tackle Stains One at a Time
Different stains require different cleaning techniques. Here are some common wall stains and safe ways to clean them:
- Scuff marks: Use a pencil eraser or a melamine sponge (Magic Eraser). Rub gently.
- Grease stains: Mix warm water with a bit of vinegar and castile soap. Use a sponge and wipe lightly.
- Crayon marks: A small dab of baking soda on a damp sponge can help lift the marks without harming the paint.
- Fingerprints: Often found near light switches and doorways. Use mild soapy water and a soft cloth.
6. Avoid Over Wetting the Walls
One of the biggest mistakes people make while cleaning painted walls is using too much water. Over wetting can lead to paint bubbling, peeling, or leaving water stains, especially on matte or low-sheen finishes.
Make sure to use a wrung out cloth or sponge, and if you are using a bucket, change the water frequently to avoid spreading dirt. After cleaning, wipe the area dry using a clean, dry towel.
7. Work from Top to Bottom
To avoid streaks and water drips, always start from the top of the wall and work your way down. Gravity naturally pulls any excess moisture downward, so cleaning in a top to bottom direction ensures you do not create mess as you go.
This method also makes it easier to track your progress and ensures a spotless home. That’s one of the key reasons why experienced vacate cleaners in Perth focus on top to down cleaning approach.
8. Do Not Forget the Corners and Edges
The top edges of walls, corners near the ceiling, and the line where the wall meets the floor often collect dust and grime. During a final inspection, these areas are not overlooked.
Use a soft brush or microfibre duster to clean corners before wiping down walls. Pay attention to switch plates, sockets, door frames, and skirting boards areas that are frequently touched and easily overlooked.
9. Use Natural Light for Inspection
Once your walls are dry, inspect them in natural light. Open blinds or curtains and look at the walls from different angles. Natural sunlight helps highlight spots you might have missed or streaks left behind.
This final rental inspection is especially important in rental cleaning scenarios. Landlords or property managers often conduct inspections during daylight, so matching their view can help you catch problems before they do.
10. When to Call a Professional
If your walls have heavy staining, large scuff marks, or if you are short on time, calling in a professional vacate cleaning Perth service is often the safest option. Expert cleaners are trained to deal with a variety of wall surfaces and will use suitable products that protect the finish while delivering spotless results.
Hiring professionals saves time while increasing your chances of a full bond refund. It is an investment that can spare you from last minute stress and inspection issues.
How to Deep Clean Painted Walls without any Damage?
Wrapping Up
Painted walls are a vital part of the overall appearance of a rental property, and during vacate cleaning, they often determine the success of your final inspection. Cleaning them requires more than just effort; it calls for the right technique, gentle products, and careful attention to detail. You can refresh your walls without damaging the finish by understanding your paint type, starting with a dry clean, using mild solutions, and avoiding excess moisture. Whether you choose to handle it yourself or hire a professional, a well cleaned wall adds to the overall impression and helps ensure a smooth, dispute free exit from your rental home.